Business Scotland 5

BusinessScotland Scottish Chambers of Commerce Magazine

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Business mentoring grows Scotland’s economy In the Spotlight: Russell Borthwick, CEO, AGCC Insight: Scottish Business Opinion & the European Union Celebrate: 230 Years of Edinburgh Chamber

Scottish Chambers of Commerce

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BusinessScotland

CONTENTS

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

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18

European Union: Stay or leave

46

76

82

Front Cover Photo: Jeanette Forbes, Chief Executive of Aberdeen-based ICT services company PCL

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PROMOTING THE SCOTTISH BUSINESS VOICE

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: RUSSELL BORTHWICK, CEO, AGCC

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GET READY TO SAVE WITH EXCLUSIVE CHAMBER & TURKISH AIRLINES TRAVEL DEAL CELEBRATING 230 YEARS OF EDINBURGH CHAMBER

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DUNDEE & ANGUS CHAMBER ANNOUNCE NEW PRESIDENT

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DECLAN COLLIER, CEO, LONDON CITY AIRPORT ON CONNECTIVITY

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BUSINESS MENTORING GROWS SCOTLAND’S ECONOMY

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CALMAC BACKS GENERATION SCIENCE

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EMPOWERING A WORLDLEADING DIGITAL SCOTLAND

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BUSINESS INSIGHT ON THE EUROPEAN UNION REFERENDUM

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Business Partners

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AMBITIOUS PLANS UNVEILED BY VIRGIN TRAINS

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FOREWORD

Promoting the Scottish business voice Nora Senior

Chair, Scottish Chambers of Commerce Executive Chair of UK Regions & Ireland, Weber Shandwick

It is with great excitement that we publish this magazine, especially to formally welcome Calmac, London City Airport and Virgin Trains to the Scottish Chamber Network “family”as our Business Partners. I am looking forward to promoting the Scottish Business Voice across the country, enabling us to grow and widen our contributions to the Scottish & UK economy.

Of course, there is a lot happening across the UK. The Scottish Elections produced a new composition for Holyrood, we have a new Scottish Government Cabinet and with the creation of two new roles, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Cabinet Secretary for Economy, I am enthusiastic that the business voice is being heard – but this is just the start. We influenced hard on behalf of business during the Scottish elections campaign and we laid out our business vision, as determined by our members. I was proud that we focused on key issues businesses across the country are concerned about: digital skills, capacity in exporting, creating a 50-year energy strategy and investing in our infrastructure were just some of those business issues.

We now turn our heads to the European Union Referendum and this edition shows insight into the Scottish business opinion. Our role has been to remain neutral, to inform and educate – no matter what the outcome, business will go on.

I hope you enjoy this edition of our magazine and, like me are energised with a dose of “business inspiration” from the great business stories and business people that are featured!

Collaboration key to growing Scotland’s economy Liz Cameron OBE

Director/Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce

I often think about how fast technology has developed over the last decade, especially when you realise that when this year’s school leavers first began primary school, the Apple iPhone hadn’t even been invented!

In 2016, it’s clear that technology plays a natural part in all of our lives. This is critically important because as society we are spending more time using our smartphones and from a business perspective, that means commercial opportunities and potential new markets that can be explored for Scottish businesses.

Around 45% of online sales are made on a mobile device.

That is the pace of technological change that is presenting Scotland’s businesses with great opportunities but also significant challenges.

We know that Scotland’s economy is at a delicate stage. Yes, our economy has grown steadily over the past three years with generally strong levels of employment but we know that there are ongoing economic concerns in global economies and with persistently low oil prices, the impact on business growth and on jobs can be felt across Scotland and the UK. So with Scottish businesses working hard to diversify their markets and creating new jobs, we need to make sure that Scotland is open for business.

That means enabling the private sector to play and maximise its role in Scotland, so we can work with Governments to create the best talent for our businesses, utilise our market knowledge to properly direct the delivery of business support, and invest in our digital and transport connectivity to boost growth of businesses in Scotland.

We believe that government, both at a Scottish and UK level, has a part to play in helping to create the best environment for business to succeed but it is not the only solution provider. The private sector is well placed to play a vital role in many areas of business support that are essential to developing a thriving Scottish economy and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network has a proven track record of success in this area.

@LizCameronSCC @NoraSenior1

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CHAMBER NEWS

We need to accentuate the positives Russell has been away from Aberdeen for two of the most prosperous decades in the city’s history and hopes that as chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce he can ensure a similarly sucessful future for generations to come.

look at what happens when oil and gas isn’t as significant as it has been.

“What does a diversified business base look like?

“What should our main activities be in 50 years?

“The time is right to start thinking about that so what has been happening has been a good prompt to start that debate.

“If we are reinventing what the economy of the region looks like then we need to make sure the current workforce and the future workforce, the young people in schools and colleges, are encouraged to follow the right career path.

He started his career with Aberdeen Journals and before joining the Chamber was managing partner of a global marketing agency network based in Newcastle.

Prior to that he was regional managing director for Trinity Mirror North East and had founded his own communications consultancy.

Throughout his 20 years away, his passion has never dimmed for Aberdeen - or its football team - and he has retained close links and a keen interest in the city.

“Looking in from the outside, I think I might have detected a sense of inertia about the region and I think that has been borne of complacency,” he said.

“Perhaps everything came too easily to the city and why would you need to do the stuff on the ‘too difficult’ pile when everything in the garden is rosy?

Russell Borthwick may have stepped into one of the most important business roles in the North-east in the midst of an oil crisis, but he is undaunted.

He is a man who always sees a glass as half full rather than half empty and says: “It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Russell Borthwick

“Other cities around the UK haven’t had the economic benefits Aberdeen has enjoyed and they have had to work harder.

“They have had to get projects off the ground, to reinvent the city centres and to build iconic buildings and attractions to get themselves on the map and to stimulate growth.

“Aberdeen hasn’t had to do that, so therefore it hasn’t, and maybe what happened with oil and gas prices recently might be the wakeup call Aberdeen needs to start doing some of these things.

“Obviously the announcement of the Aberdeen City Region Deal will help with some significant infrastructure to kick-start some of that development and growth.”

While he says action to secure the city’s future may be long overdue, it is never too late.

“It would be nice if it had been done when times were good, but the reality is that we are where we are.

“I think there is a growing sense of the two local authorities working more cohesively and joining up with the Scottish and UK governments on the priorities for the region.”

He said we were also fortunate to have Sir Ian Wood “a very passionate and committed advocate of Aberdeen” to lead Opportunity North East (ONE) which will hopefully unlock private sector funding to match the public funding that has been put into the region.

“I think this is an opportunity for Aberdeen to

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“We have to give them the skills and the knowledge they need to actually work in those sectors.”

He said it was important not to talk down the North-east.

“We have a job to do reminding ourselves of all the reasons to be cheerful.

“Most cities in the UK would give their eye teeth for the existing economy here, never mind what it was like before.

“I think part of our job is to do some work with partners to remind people of all the positives and all the reasons this is still a great place to live, to work and to do business.

“It’s not been an easy time but there is still a hell of a lot of good stuff we are in danger of forgetting about.

“We need to get on the front foot and remind ourselves and other people of all of our strengths “A number of projects which were rubberstamped in the City Region Deal were exactly the issues called for within the Chamber’s 2016 manifesto so our members have told us what they needed, the Chamber has published that and a number of them have been delivered very quickly within the City Region Deal and associated announcements.

“We need to accentuate the positives.

“One of my reasons for coming to this job and back to this area was to play a part, however small, in making this an even better place to live, work, study, invest and to do business.

“If I can manage that then I will be able to retire happy that I have achieved something worthwhile.”

CHAMBER NEWS

Kind-hearted members support Centrestage Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and its membership raised over £6000 for Kilmarnock-based social enterprise Centrestage Communities.

Centrestage provided the entertainment at Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner at Ayr Racecourse in March and guests were so impressed with the young rising stage stars they dug deep into their pockets to show their appreciation to the organisation.

Chamber Chief Executive Val Russell said: “Centrestage do a fantastic job and it is great to see them continue to grow.

“They are celebrating their tenth year this year and we we’re delighted to have perform at our Annual Dinner.

“A rather impromptu fundraiser on the night raised £6163 for Centrestage and I was pleased to handover a cheque to Fiona McKenzie.”

The generous donations were matched

by QTS Training owner Alan McLeish and Braehead Foods Craig Stevenson who both

matched what was raised to help contribute a fantastic total.

Val added: “Our thanks to those guests who donated money in particular QTS and Braehead Foods for their generous backing.”

Also, Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire also handed over a cheque for £10,000 to support an outreach project which works with young people to enhance their employability skills and gain work experience.

Enjoy the VIP experience at The Open Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce have teamed up with The Open Championship to bring a unique VIP experience at Royal Troon this summer.

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Val Russell said: “We’re looking forward to what will be a great event during a great week for Ayrshire.

You’ll be able to watch on the top players in the world including Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth get their final look at the course before the tournament on Thursday.

“We’re delighted to offer this opportunity to our membership and Chamber members across Scotland to meet potential new business at one of the biggest UK sporting events of 2016.”

Held on Wednesday 13th July guests will enjoy VIP Parking, entry to the course, a 3-course lunch and complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks.

“This is a truly unique opportunity for Chamber members to network at one of the world’s most recognisable sporting events right on our doorstep.

Prices for this event start from £199 + VAT to any Chamber member and can be booked via the events section at ayrshire-chamber.org

The 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon takes place on the Ayrshire coastline during 10 – 17 July

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CHAMBER NEWS

Calling London

Visit Scotland-backed Cairngorms campaign targets south of England Londoners are being encouraged to swap the hustle and bustle of the Big Smoke for the peace and tranquility of the Cairngorms National Park in a new marketing campaign supported by VisitScotland.

With £30,000 of match-funding from the national tourism organisation’s Growth Fund, Cairngorms Business Partnership (CBP) is launching its first ever digital marketing campaign focusing on potential visitors from London and the South East of England.

CBP has teamed up with Caledonian Sleeper, on the £60,000 campaign, encouraging visitors to enjoy a relaxing journey from the centre of London to the heart of the Cairngorms National Park either to one of the six sleeper stops in the west

National Park or via Aberdeen into the East of the Park.

The main focus of the campaign will be a digital guide, co-branded with Caledonian Sleeper, which will be packed with useful information on the enormous range of activities available for visitors in the Cairngorms National Park, including skiing, mountain biking, walking or experiencing the relaxed traditions of the communities within the National Park.

Among CBP’s other campaign activity is the production of new online video content, employing a series of guest bloggers and takeovers on Instagram.

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “The Cairngorms National Park is one of Scotland’s most outstanding natural resources, attracting people from all over the world to enjoy its amazing range of world-class outdoor

“We are delighted to help Cairngorms Business Partnership in this exciting new marketing venture through the VisitScotland Growth Fund and hope that it inspires many more people from London and the South-East of England to come here and explore exactly what makes the UK’s biggest national park so special.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland

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activities. We are delighted to help Cairngorms Business Partnership in this exciting new marketing venture through the VisitScotland Growth Fund and hope that it inspires many more people from London and the South-East of England to come here and explore exactly what makes the UK’s biggest national park so special.”

Mark Tate, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms Business Partnership, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a VisitScotland Growth Fund award which will enable us to market the Cairngorms National Park to a new audience. In our latest visitor survey 96% of visitors agreed with the statement ‘I love the Park’ we want more people to experience the stunning landscapes and special communities which are at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The Caledonian Sleeper is the perfect travel partner, our visitors can leave the bustling city and after a wee dram wake up to the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms.

With the Sleeper the journey really is part of the experience.”

Peter Strachan, Caledonian Sleeper Managing Director said: “The Cairngorms Business Partnership and Caledonian Sleeper are natural partners. By working together to promote the many attractive features of the Cairngorms, from its natural beauty to the abundance of sporting pursuits, we can offer the perfect escape to people living in the South East of England.

With the Caledonian Sleeper it’s easy to leave the city and wake up in Scotland relaxed and ready to enjoy a break in the Cairngorms.”

FOCUS ON LEGAL – WJM LLP

Building a culture of mindfulness I believe we owe it to our people to make sure they are equipped to deal with the rigours of the legal services market in Scotland.

By Liam Entwistle Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP

This doesn’t just mean being good at law, it means being good business people. If we look after our people, they will provide a better service to our clients. They will be more efficient, better decision-makers, more empathetic and ultimately we hope, happier and healthier for it.

That’s why we introduced mindfulness to Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie. Every Friday and on the last Wednesday of the month we host free lunchtime sessions at our offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh. They are led by one of Scotland’s foremost teachers of the science-based techniques of mindfulness, Martin Stepek, who is also the firm’s director of culture and communications.

Around 100 people come along each month – colleagues, clients, friends and folk from nearby offices. The feedback has been

excellent. Those who have participated regularly report a firm grounding to their working day and people who have dipped in and out – spare time is an elusive concept for many of us – find it really, really works particularly if they are stretched, or if things are threatening to get on top of them.

In the UK around 9.9million days are lost due to work related stress; the primary causes being workload, lack of managerial support, organisational change and uncertainty. This was borne out in a recent CIPD survey which demonstrated almost two fifths of employees (38%) are under excessive pressure at work at least once a week and more than four in ten (43%) say that long working hours is the norm for their organisation.

In any profession, it’s easy for stress to creep in and when it does performance, decisionmaking, work-life balance can all suffer as a result. The practice of mindfulness equips people to handle the stress, strains and conflicts that arise in business and this is evidenced by world-class research.

greater clarity, focus, enhances decision-making, leadership skills and improves wellbeing.

It isn’t just middle managers and senior managers whose wellbeing we need to look out for. Stress is the biggest single issue affecting Scotland’s young lawyers today and there is a commonly held perception that ‘not coping’ is a sign of weakness. Our profession is not alone in this problem, and we believe equipping our employees with the practices of mindfulness goes some way to tackling these issues. However, as the statistics show we can all be doing more to address the importance of employee wellbeing and to ensure our employees lead fulfilling and healthy professional lives.

Liam Entwistle is a Lawyer and qualified workplace mediator. He is also the firm’s Chief Executive, responsible for strategy and for delivering on WJM’s vision to be truly client-centric trusted advisers to its clients. www.wjm.co.uk

Mindfulness teaches you how to calm the mind and concentrate on the present. It gives

Experience the Science of Calm Discover the benefits of mindfulness for your organisation with a FREE ‘Mindfulness for Business’ seminar at your office or preferred venue. This 90 minute session will cover an introductory talk, a mindfulness session, and a discussion / Q&A with leading mindfulness mentor, Martin Stepek. These free events are sponsored by WJM. For more information email mindfulness@wjm.co.uk and quote BSMWJM.

Law for your Life – Law for your Business WJM has offices at: 302 St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5RZ Tel: 0141 248 3434 Fax: 0141 221 1226

The Capital Building 12/13 St Andrew Square Edinburgh EH2 2AF Tel: 0131 524 1500 Fax: 0131 524 1529

The Green House Beechwood Park North Inverness IV2 3BL Tel: 01463 234 445 Fax: 01463 224995

WJM is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA reference number is 231170.

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TURKISH AIRLINES

Get ready to save money when flying with Europe’s best airline

Members of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network can access this exclusive deal and start to receive immediate business benefits!

As the largest business organisation in Scotland we recognise that challenges exist when business think of entering new markets – from understanding the culture,

Did You Know?

Turkish Airlines fly from Edinburgh Airport to Istanbul daily, and from their hub in Istanbul fly to all over the world.

the business environment or the opportunities. But if we truly want to grow our business market, gain new orders and increase our profits, exporting must be seriously considered. Through our global network of Chambers of Commerce, we have created a strong foundation with our colleagues across the globe.

Our exclusive partnership with Turkish Airlines will help Scottish businesses start

With Turkish Airlines flying to more countries than any other airline in the world and being voted as Europe’s best airline for the last 5 years running, it’s time to get your business flying!

Smart benefits for your business

How to access the exclusive deal

Exclusive discounts on air fares: save money every time you use this offer! Through our partnership, you can access special corporate fares for Business, Comfort or Economy Class!

Our Delivery Partner for this offer is Barrhead Business Travel and with their expert advisors, business travel knowledge and Scottish presence, will be able to get you booked up and ready to go in no time!

Simple & Easy Membership: no joining fee or complicated agreements! Just pick up the phone and start using the offer!

Call Barrhead Business Travel on 0141 250 7876 anytime between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday to speak to an advisor.

Take advantage of special baggage allowances for discounted tickets, up to 50kg of luggage with you when you fly Business Class to Asia, Africa or the Middle East with Turkish Airlines.

Email membersdiscount@barrheadbusinesstravel.com and receive a response within 4 hours

Earn Miles & Smile! If you travel Turkish Airlines earn miles when you fly and spend them with any Star Alliance Partner Airline!

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their exporting journey and save money at the same time! Whether you are a small business or a big business, this offer has been designed to help you make the most of being a member of a local Chamber of Commerce!

Don’t forget to have the details of your local Chamber membership handy to be able to access this offer!

Terms and Conditions Apply

CHAMBER NEWS

A real chance for positive change

New Developing the Young Workforce Group will make a positive difference to the future prospects of young people in Dumfries and Galloway.

Dumfries, Scotland, Feb 3rd 2016: On Wednesday February 3rd 2016 at 10am, Annabel Ewing MSP, Minister for Youth & Women’s Employment will visited Dumfries Timber Company’s Head Office and officially announced the launch of Dumfries & Galloway Developing the Young Workforce Programme.

Dumfries Timber Company were presented with the Investing In Young People Award during the visit. This presentation recognised the work being done with young people by Dumfries Timber Company Dumfries Timber Company’s Managing Director Donald Young said ”Running a business is all about people. Staff who are appreciated have a pride in their work and give their highest level of service delivery to their customers. Development of staff is a priority and that is on-going all the time, Dumfries Timber Company trains a number of apprentices, it can be difficult to find people with the right skills set, but no matter what level people are at when they join us they all start in the yard, so they can touch feel and see the product and meet the customers.”

The minister met Dumfries Timber Company employees Steven Couper, Jamie Robertson & Craig McKeand some of the young people who are developing their work skills at the groups Huntingdon Road head office.

Ms Ewing said: “I am very pleased that the Developing the Young Workforce regional group for

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Dumfries & Galloway is now up and running.

While there is a considerable amount of good work already happening in the area, I share the new group’s recognition that much more can be done to support young women and men towards sustainable and rewarding jobs.”

“We want closer relationships between schools, colleges and employers so that young people, whatever their background or gender, can be equipped with the right skills they need to progress in the world of work.

The new DYW group will make sure that these benefits are felt right here in Dumfries & Galloway. I would also like to congratulate Dumfries Timber Company on their IIYP award which is a testament to the belief they have in staff and how important developing their young workforce is to the company.”

Brian Johnstone, Chair of Dumfries & Galloway College and a Dumfries & Galloway Developing the Young Workforce Board Member is excited at the opportunity that the new project presents to make real, sustainable change to young people across the region. “As Regional College Chair, and as a member of the Scottish Government’s National Advisory Group for DYW, I am delighted to see the launch of a regional group in Dumfries and Galloway.

I have very much enjoyed working with The Chamber of Commerce and other partners in taking the successful bid forward. The support and funding which this brings to our region are significant. The project provides a fantastic opportunity for the college, the local authority, and the business sector to work together to really make a difference to the lives of young people.”

Douglas Small, Joint Managing Director of Ashleigh (Scotland) and Chairperson of Dumfries & Galloway Developing the Young Workforce said “The formation of the DYW regional group in Dumfries and

Galloway provides a great opportunity to develop and improve the lives of young people in the region. The Business sector, Education and Local Authority organisations working together on this, have a vast range of knowledge and experience. As a local business owner and employer, I am delighted to be involved in this and look forward to working with the other organisations to make a difference.”

The Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Dumfries & Galloway College and Dumfries & Galloway Council have been awarded a 3 year, £590,000 contract to establish a Developing the Young Workforce regional Group under the terms of the Scottish Government Commission led by Sir Ian Wood.

The Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce recommended the creation of employer led Regional Invest in Youth Groups that will build bridges between industry and education, play a pivotal role in transforming the approach to education and industry collaboration, and encourage companies to get back into the habit of employing young people. In Dumfries and Galloway it was agreed that Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce was ideally placed to take the lead setting up and managing a private sector led Regional Invest in Youth Group.

Supported by a national leadership group and a sustained communication campaign, the Dumfries & Galloway Regional Team is resourced to facilitate and support business and education to form meaningful partnerships and be able to demonstrate impact. The ambition is for more employers to move from being passive to active consumers of education, with both education and industry allocating more resource to work together to educate and prepare young people for entry into the workforce.

LUFTHANSA

Lufthansa – leading the way for Scottish travellers With a total of 45 flights a week from two airports the full service airlines in the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines) continue to lead the way for Scottish travellers.

A combined total of over 436,000 passengers travelling in and out of the country last year proved once again that discerning travellers appreciate the way Lufthansa has responded to the challenges of the travel market in the face of ever-increasing competition from low-cost airlines.

To maintain the leading position in the market Lufthansa must be better than anyone else in terms of product, service and reliability. Lufthansa services recently recorded the best figures for punctuality in its history with over 85% of all flights leaving Frankfurt and Munich within 15 minutes of scheduled departure time.

As well as providing direct links from Aberdeen and Edinburgh to Frankfurt and Brussels the services also offer the country’s quickest and easiest onward connections.

Lufthansa’s network of over 280 destinations in 80 countries worldwide includes around 60 of the world’s key oil and energy markets in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

Lufthansa also continues to enhance the onboard experience for customers. In addition the traditional economy, business and some first class cabins the large number of Scottish passengers who take onward connections now have the added option of a high quality premium economy product on Lufthansa long-haul services. The new seat is wider and can be tilted further back so has increased personal space by about half compared to Economy. A separate wide armrest for each seat and a centre console between the seats also ensure extra privacy.

The adjustable headrest can be folded at the sides and gives comfortable support. Height adjustable footrests from the second row and - for design reasons - leg supports with integrated footrest in the front row provide additional comfort.

Premium economy passengers also benefit from twice as much free baggage allowance as in Economy Class with two pieces of luggage up to 23 kg each. An upgraded on board experience also allows them to

control the extensive in-flight entertainment programme with their own touch-screen (screen size from 11 to 12 inches - 28 to 30 centimetres). Each seat also offers a USB port and an electrical outlet so passengers can use their own devices.

PartnerPlusBenefit provides business travellers with membership of the world’s biggest business travel reward programme allowing them to earn reward points on all booking classes. Members can earn and spend points on all ten airlines in the programme in one easy to manage account.

No other similar programme in this country includes so many carriers working together in that way. Members are then able to choose from a wide ranging 13 options when redeeming loyalty points. These include award flights, upgrades, cash-back, hotel eGiftcards valid in over 100,000 hotels worldwide and airport parking.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer Business Gateway National Unit.

Specialist business support when you need it Growing a business presents challenges and opportunities in equal measure. There is no one solution that fits every venture and that is why it is important to get the advice that is right for you.

In addition to one to one support from a Scotland wide team of experienced business advisers, a comprehensive online resource and an Information Service that has access to a wealth of invaluable market and industry intelligence, Business Gateway also offers a free event programme that focuses on the issues that matter to the business community.

“Every year we help thousands of businesses take the next step on the growth ladder,” said Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at the Business Gateway National Unit.

“We can help with a range of professional services designed to take your business forward. Everything from networking opportunities to market research, exporting, financial planning, and recruitment and training.”

A network of experienced advisers Business Gateway’s advisers can quickly and expertly identify which services will most benefit a company’s core business objectives, tailoring support to meet their needs. With their in-depth knowledge they are perfectly placed to link businesses with individuals and organisations within the business community who can help them develop and grow.

“Our advisers, many of whom have run their own business or held senior positions within Business Scotland

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industry, have the skills, practical experience and network of valuable contacts to help business owners achieve their objectives,” continued Hugh Lightbody.

Tayside business visualises future growth One business that has been helped to grow by Business Gateway is software development company Augmentic Visualisation.

With an expanding client list, market leading technology and plans in place to grow over the coming months, the Dundee based company is making a name for itself in the Scottish business community.

Launched in 2014 by Ritchie Duncan, with support from Business Gateway, the business (www.augmentic.co.uk) is a next generation software development company specialising in augmented and virtual reality solutions for marketing and training purposes.

Ritchie Duncan

“I spent 20 years in the RAF as an Aircraft Engineer and then went to Abertay University to study and begin a career in Computer Games Technology,” said Ritchie.

“At the beginning we thought we would be focusing on the games industry but it quickly became apparent that our real value was in creating effective solutions for companies in industries including Oil and Gas, Engineering, Tourism, Food and Drink, Motoring and Aviation.

we aim to expand the team to 10 within the foreseeable future.

“My aim is for us to be the go-to company for Next Gen Technology within the Oil and Gas and Engineering industry. We are currently a team of two artists, two coders and me, but

To find out how Business Gateway can help you, visit

“Growing a business throws up quite a few challenges but fortunately we have had great support from Business Gateway who helped us find our way through the maze and support us with our development plans. Our adviser Michelle has been a great support and is always on hand to listen and offer advice. It is very useful having someone on hand who can offer an external view on the business.”

www.bgateway.com/driving-growth or

call your local office on 0300 013 4753.

HOW WE HELPED SIMONE

ensure success wasn’t a pipedream Perfect Service Solutions is one of the UK’s leading specialists in the deep cleaning of ventilation and ductwork – an essential service to the food and facilities management industry.

Managing Director Simone Hart Sibbald has found Business Gateway’s help essential to her growth plans for the business.

Nine years ago, we assisted Simone to source the employment grant that helped her to hire her first member of staff. More recently, we delivered the strategy development programme that helped transform the company’s fortunes and paved the way to a £1 million contract with a global food firm.

Business Gateway’s advisers have gone above and beyond.

Simone Hart Sibbald Managing Director, Perfect Service Solutions

• 1 to 1 business support • Strategy development • Sources of funding • Networking opportunities

To grow your business, call 0300 013 4753 or visit bgateway.com/driving-growth

CHAMBER NEWS: CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Fife Business Awards 2016 – winners announced The 2016 Fife Business Awards category winners were announced in front of over 300 guests from the Fife business community at the Fife Chamber of Commerce showcase event held in Glenrothes (on Friday).

Hosted by broadcasting personality Kaye Adams, the ceremony was a fantastic celebration of Fife’s diverse and successful business community.

The variety of entrants showcased the region’s breadth of expertise and innovation, with judging panels sifting through a large number of high quality entries from some of the Kingdom’s most successful and innovative businesses.

This year’s Awards marked a welcome return to an annual timetabling for Fife’s leading business event, attracting a high number of entries from aspiring Fife businesses.

Fife Chamber President John Silcock said: “The Fife Business Awards are known as the pinnacle event in the Fife business calendar, and we’re extremely happy that the strength and popularity of the Awards over recent years has given us the opportunity to return to an annual event.

“There have been testing times for Fife businesses in the last year, but at the Chamber we see a vast network of successful, innovative and inspiring businesses, and business people, willing to overcome challenges on the path to success.

“It is our great pleasure to be able to recognise these businesses through the Fife Business Awards and we were staggered by the excellence in all of the award submissions.

“Unfortunately there can be only one winner in each category, so many congratulations to all of this year’s winners and I’d like to encourage businesses to start thinking about applying for the 2017 Awards!”

Judging panels, drawn from the local Fife business community itself, received presentations from each shortlisted business before the winners were decided.

Attendees also raised £3400 for Fife Chamber’s chosen beneficiary charities, Fife Society for the Blind and Alzheimer Scotland.

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Fife Business Awards 2016 winners: Excellence in Food & Drink Award sponsored by Clydesdale Bank Winner – Jannettas Gelateria Ltd Excellence in Tourism Award sponsored

by Fife Chamber of Commerce Winner – Cruise Forth Ltd Excellence in Customer Service Award sponsored by QAS Group Winner – Stevenson Funeral Directors Success through Innovation Award sponsored by EQ Accountants Winner – Ingenico Northern Europe Ltd

A Workforce for the Future Award sponsored by Fife Chamber of Commerece Winner – RB Grant Ltd Excellence in People Development Award sponsored by Fife Fabrications Winner - Sign Plus Ltd Most Enterprising Start-up Company Award sponsored by Business Gateway Fife Winner – Xelect Ltd Best Performing Business Award (under 50 employees) sponsored by Condies Winner – Cooper Software

Success through Export Award sponsored by Diageo Winner – Sephra Europe Ltd

Best Performing Business Award (over 50 employees) sponsored by Thomson Cooper Accountants Winner – Semefab Ltd

Success through Sustainability Award sponsored by Brand-Rex Winner – Ivan Wood & Sons Ltd

Outstanding Business Achievement Award sponsored by Fife Economy Partnership Winner – Ingenico Northern Europe Ltd

SHOWSEC

Showsec aiming to secure more business opportunities in Scotland SHOWSEC have geared themselves up to maximise the potential for further growth of the business in Scotland by undertaking a major restructure of their operation this year.

The rapid development of the Company’s Scotland office has been right at the forefront of an expansion of Showsec’s footprint throughout the United Kingdom which has strengthened their position as market-leading crowd management and event security specialists.

Now, Steven McCafferty, a prominent figure in that progress since the Scotland operation was started up in 2010, has been given added responsibility to drive forwards the business and make the most of excellent opportunities to increase the Company’s presence.

McCafferty has been appointed Area Manager for the West of Scotland and the Highlands which, together with other management support, will provide further impetus for an operation which is headed up by Scott Anderson, Showsec’s Regional Manager for Scotland.

“There is great potential to achieve further regional progression in Scotland with new clients coming on board and the opportunity to develop further work with our existing clients,” said Anderson.

“The exciting thing about Steven’s appointment is that he has been with us right from the outset and played a crucial part in the growth that has already been achieved across the region.

“His extensive knowledge of the business

and indeed the region makes him the ideal person to drive this forwards. Together with other changes that have been implemented, we feel we have the right management infrastructure in place to achieve our aims.”

While T in the Park has featured prominently in Showsec’s growth in Scotland, there are many other high-profile events and venues with which they are now associated.

Their work with Belladrum Festival has led to other opportunities with Ironworks in Inverness and the new Groove Cairngorm Snowsports Festival which took place in March.

Showsec’s vast experience in managing all types of events means that there are many other exciting projects which they hope to secure in Scotland in the near future.

Their crowd management and security expertise ranges from high-profile events such as festivals, concerts, sporting occasions and public celebrations to smaller projects that may involve close protection

of an individual or door supervision for a particular venue.

Irrespective of the size of the occasion, the Company will offer a bespoke service driven by strong leadership from the management infrastructure which directs a highlyskilled workforce that is suitably equipped to deliver high standards of service, all of which creates safe, secure and enjoyable environments for all those in attendance.

Whatever the event then, wherever it may be in the United Kingdom, Showsec have the resources to meet the crowd management and security needs of event organisers.

For more information about the full range of services, please visit the website www.showsec.co.uk or contact Steven McCafferty on 07557 154428.

Alternatively, you can email marketing@showsec.co.uk

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CHAMBER NEWS: CELEBRATING SUCCESS

230 years of Edinburgh Chamber

Our 2016 Business Award Winners

By Mayan Grace

Marketing Manager at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

This year Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 230 year anniversary of serving members and inspiring connections.

Two weeks before Christmas in 1785, a number of leading Edinburgh business men met, and from this meeting,

Members making new contacts at our Chamber Dinning Club

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Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and Manufacture was born. The first Secretary of the Chamber was Mr William Creech, bookseller, publisher and author. Within two months of the formation of the Chamber of Commerce, these far-sighted businessmen decided to give the organisation a firmer foundation by applying for a Royal Charter.

On 10 July 1786 Edinburgh Chamber was officially formed by Royal Charter granted by King George III. Throughout the Chamber’s long and distinguished history, the Chamber has been at the front of innovation. We instigated the firing of the one o’clock gun to keep shipping in Leith informed of accurate time, and were even responsible for influencing the first ever Business

Degree. And we’re still innovating today –we pioneered the Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference to progress our renewable energy industry, and we took a leadership role in bringing the Green Investment Bank to Scotland’s Capital.

We have been influencing business and life in our city for more than two centuries.

And we couldn’t do any of this without or members and partners.

For further information and to get involved in our anniversary campaign please visit www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/our-230year-anniversary or contact the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce on 0131 221 2999, e-mail marketing@edinburghchamber.co.uk

Members networking at our Breakfast Connections

CHAMBER NEWS: CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Forth Valley Chamber Business Awards 2016

Other winners were: Over 320 guests turned out for the third Forth Valley Best Start Up Business Business Awards recently, Poporopo Popcorn attending a spectacular black Best Small Business tie dinner at the Doubletree by Perfect Service Solutions Dunblane Hilton Hydro.

Best Large Business With a theme of youth and looking to the future the audience enjoyed speeches by Bruce Walker, CEO of We Are the Future and at 21 the youngest director on the Forth Valley Chamber Board, and local boy Gregor Lawson, one of the founders of Morphsuits.

Nine awards were presented on the night with 8 lucky winners – Stirling company Angel’s Share Glass picking up not one,but two winners’ trophies; Best Micro Business and Most Innovative Product.

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MacDonald Inchyra Hotel Best Family Business GMS Music Excellence in Customer Service Rooftec (Scotland) Ltd Entrepreneur of the year Steven Smith of The Lead Generation Company And Charity of the Year Trossachs Search and Rescue Team

Entertainment was provided by the amazing forensic mind-reader Colin Cloud – a member of Forth Valley Chamber - and assistance on the night once again came from the British Army who work in partnership with Forth Valley Chamber on supporting ex-forces personnel into employment. A wonderful night was had by all with CEO Michelle McKearnon commenting, “ It was a fantastic evening and so uplifting to see all our successful businesses coming together to celebrate.

Forth Valley is a vibrant area, attracting a lot of inward investment and the Business Awards demonstrate what is being achieved here.”

Winning the Charity of the Year category had an extra benefit for Trossachs Search and Rescue who received a donation of £1,000 raised on the night for the winner in that category. They were delighted to bring their 4-legged friends to visit the Chamber a few weeks later to collect their funds.

CHAMBER NEWS: CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Greenock Chamber gets on board with Grand Prix of the Sea

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The P1 Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea race will come to Greenock on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June, the first time this P1 UK SuperStock Championship has been held in Scotland.

of Greenock Chamber, the Inverclyde business network.

Greenock Chamber of Commerce was quick to get on board as a sponsor of this international high profile event.

As part of the joint hosting arrangement with Inverclyde Council and urban regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde, the locally-branded boat, the Spirit of Inverclyde, and its racing team of Gordon Wicklow and Dino Zavaroni, will compete in Greenock and at other championship rounds across the summer.

“As a unique showcase for our region, its spectacular waterfront and marine heritage, we are delighted to get right behind the Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea with our sponsorship,” said Steven Watson, President

“We are encouraging everyone to mark the date in their diary for what will be a major spectacle in Scotland’s events calendar. It will attract tens of thousands of visitors from throughout the county and overseas, helping to boost our local economy, while raising the profile of Inverclyde and the River Clyde on an international platform.”

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This large scale, high impact marine motorsport event will feature more than 60 powerboats and jet skis competing in national championships, which also take in race weekends in England and Wales.

The two-mile long racecourse will be in close proximity to Greenock’s spectacular Esplanade, offering outstanding views of the racecourse. Race boats and skis will be located at James Watt Dock Marina.

Two action-packed afternoons will include complementary onshore activities, including family entertainment starting at 10am each day, helping to make this a unique experience for visitors to the area and Inverclyde’s community.

Top Award for Forth Valley Chamber Business Advisor Many businesses in the Forth Valley Area will have benefitted over the years by the expert business advice and support given

by Dorothy Henke, formerly of Business Gateway and now with Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.

So it was a well-deserved surprise for Dorothy when she was announced as one of 10 Women of Inspiration 2016 by the Association of Scottish Businesswomen at a recent event in Edinburgh. The Honours give recognition to women who are inspirational role models and to celebrate all that they do for others in the business world in Scotland.

Dorothy said, “I was both humbled and immensely honoured to have been named

in these honours, especially given the achievements of the other finalists! I am lucky to have a passion for what I do and I love working with businesses who wish to succeed. Business owners work hard and put their all into what they do, and it is a privilege to be able to help them.

The satisfaction of being able to make a difference in the lives of others is hugely rewarding.”

Michelle McKearnon, CEO of Forth Valley Chamber commented, “We are all delighted at Dorothy’s recognition which she absolutely deserves. She works incredibly hard to support local businesses and we are very proud to have her as part of the team at the Chamber.”

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Dr Janet Brown, Chief Executive of SQA

SQA offers a wide range of qualifications that help young people progress on their individual learning journeys. These include: National Qualifications NQs are normally taken at school or college, including Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, Group Awards, Skills for Work and Baccalaureates.

Qualifications for Work Developing the skills and attitudes employers look for, they include Workplace Skills, and Apprenticeships.

Awards Flexible, credible qualifications which allow the learner to gain skills, confidence and motivation to participate in the wider community.

Wider Achievement Recognising life and work skills in a wide range of areas such as Leadership, Enterprise, Employability and Wellbeing.

Scottish Vocational Qualifications SVQs cover nearly all occupations in Scotland and are designed in association with industry and business to develop the skills employers need to succeed.

Professional Development Awards PDAs develop the skills of those already in professional employment, extending or broadening their skills.

Higher National qualifications HNCs and HNDs are offered internationally to meet the needs of employers, or give candidates access to 2nd or 3rd year University entry.

General SQA also offers qualifications in areas including Internet Safety, Safe Road Use, Cycling, Personal Finance and Customer Service.

This ready reckoner shows SQA Qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.

SQA Qualifications in the

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

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Download your Qualifications Guide here – www.sqa.org.uk/qualsguide

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

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TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Modern Apprentices for Businesses Taking on an apprentice can be a big decision, whether you already have someone in mind or you need some help to find a suitable candidate, we can offer support.

There is a wealth of experience out there to help businesses recruit and select Modern Apprentices for all industry sectors and to also assist companies with funding applications.

What is a Modern Apprenticeship?

Modern Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised training and qualification route. It is designed to support your business to train your employees. It also helps employees gain essential skills and industry recognised qualifications.

The training framework and the duration of the Modern Apprenticeship are dependent on the sector the Modern Apprentice is working in and aspects of the programme can be tailored to suit your business.

Why recruit a Modern Apprentice to your business?

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Developing relationships: delivering results for clients and learners The service from Polaris Learning has been outstanding! They have led from the front and are doing a sterling job. There is a huge amount of effort and hard work required from Polaris Learning, from pre-work to registration, then from delivery to completion, and Polaris Learning do this extremely well.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Mackies follow ‘no change, no chance’ family mantra Analysis of the Mackie family DNA could well reveal an entrepreneurial gene.

“We thought we would probably have to go to Switzerland or Germany for the equipment but we found global experts in chocolate manufacturing equipment in MacIntyres of Arbroath where we were also able to begin production in their development facility,” said Mac.

Dr Maitland Mackie, who started farming at Westertown farm near Rothienorman in 1912, was an entrepreneur and innovator.

“We wanted another product we could make here at Westertown to spread costs and which would fit within our brand.

He secured and delivered a substantial farm to each of his six children and was one of the first farmers to take an interest in breeding hens to develop desired traits.

For four generations, and more than a century, his ancestors have continued that tradition and thanks to innovation and adaptation, Mackie’s is one of the Northeast’s most successful businesses and a developing global brand.

Dr Mackie’s son, Sir Maitland Mackie, pioneered the use of silage in Scottish dairy farming and was the first man north of the River Tay to own a combine harvester.

Next to take the helm was Maitland Mackie who founded the Mackie’s retail milk business.

As consumers began to switch from full fat to semi skimmed milk, he seized the opportunity to make ice cream from the surplus cream and laid the foundations for today’s business which provides employment for more than 70 people locally and is aiming to increase turnover from a projected £12.4million this year to £20million by 2020.

Initially, Mackie’s ice cream was made in the mornings and sold in the afternoons from a company van.

It now produces more than 10million litres a year and accounts for a quarter of all premium ice cream bought in Scotland It is on sale as far away as Korea and Taiwan.

It is now “Mac” Mackie, the fourth first son to bear the name Maitland, who is managing director with sisters Karin as marketing

“There was no bar of chocolate sold in major retailers which was being made in Scotland.

“There are plenty chocolate products like Tunnock’s but no straightforward bar of chocolate so we thought there was an opening. director and Kirstin as development director.

Their dad’s mantra was “no change, no chance” and they are committed to following that philosophy.

Mackie’s produces 10,000 bags of “Mackice” ice cubes a day from spring water from a well on the farm hill and this month the company’s new chocolate factory opens in a former tractor shed on Westertown farm.

In addition, the company’s vision is to become the greenest in Britain and it already has four wind turbines, a solar farm and two biomass boilers - one heats seven cottages and the other heats the offices and another cottage.

Mackie’s can now produce a total of 10.5million kWh of green electricity each year.

Approximately 40% of that energy will be used directly on the farm, with the excess sold via the grid to 100% renewable energy supplier, Good Energy.

The business is constantly evolving with the regular development of new ranges and flavours of ice cream.

In 2004, the ice cube production started.

In 2009 Mackie’s created a joint venture company with Taypack Ltd of Perthshire to produce Mackie’s crisps which now sell in 20 countries, with China proving extremely successful.

The same year, as part of the drive to reduce its carbon footprint, the company started producing its own tubs at Westertown using renewable energy.

They were previously shipped from Sweden.

The £650,000 investment in the chocolate factory came after considerable research.

Business Scotland

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“It ties in nicely because we can use the chocolate ingredients for ice cream and we can use the honeycomb we make here for the chocolate so there are a few synergies.

“It is also another ‘indulgent treat’ like ice cream and potato crisps.”

Production can be ramped up now the new factory is complete but the chocolate is already selling in Sainsbury’s and Tesco and it offers great export potential.

“We would like to do more exporting,” said Mac. “We believe there is huge potential for us as a Scottish branded company but ice cream is not a very easy product to export.

“We are hoping that the chocolate and the crisps will work well together in the snack export market and hope that we can combine the offer and increase efficiency in shipping costs if the products are packed in combined containers.”

That entrepreneurial gene will not allow them to stand still and new products may well emerge, but not quite yet.

“There are a few things we would like to do but there are a few things to do first.

“We will continue to grow the ice cream and we have great potential to expand into other chocolate or other related confectionery products and we can add new flavours and different shapes and sizes.

“New products create excitement and keep life interesting which is part of the reason we do it.

“We love something new even if invariably it becomes stressful because there are always a few things that don’t quite go to plan.”

CHAMBER NEWS

Business Insight from IOD Director of the Year Renfrewshire Chamber recently welcomed Sara Speirs, MD of Spectrum Service Solutions and winner of IoD “Director of the Year” to speak to the membership.

Sara shared how she has built a successful business through the strategy of recruiting the right staff and then investing in them.

Spectrum has an impressive client roster and are known as leading soft FM specialists throughout the UK. Acting chamber chief exec’ Bob Grant said “Sara gave us all great insights into how to build a successful business. With staff and customer service at their core Spectrum have grown to 400 employees and multimillion pound turnover. They have been longstanding members of the Chamber & multiple Rocco winners. Her success has recently been recognised by the Institute of Directors against a high calibre field.”

Naturally delighted with the award, Sara said, "I'm shocked but delighted to win this major award, I really didn't expect my name to be announced when I saw the quality of the other finalists. It may be my name on the trophy, but it really is acknowledgement

Sara Speirs, MD Spectrum Service Solutions and Honorary President Tom Johnston

for all of the hard work of all of the team at Spectrum, I'm delighted to accept the award for them."

Spectrum has gone from strength to strength in recent years; major contracts for the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup Matches, the Scottish Open Championship, and the Kiltwalk amply demonstrate Sara's

vision when developing the Events division of the business. However, it's the continued growth of the core contract cleaning and facilities management business during extremely challenging times that explains why the judges named Sara as the winner. www.spectrumservicesolutions.com

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce announces new President After two years as President of the Chamber, Tim Allan has retired from his role at the Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce.

Since becoming president in April 2014, Tim Allan has overseen many changes at the Chamber which have widened and strengthened its reach and influence.

Tim is retiring from the Board, after the maximum 2 year term, and is taking up a new position in the wider Scottish business community where he will continue as a strong voice for business in the region. He recently joined the Court of the University of St Andrews and acts as the Vice Chair of the V&A Museum at Dundee Campaign.

Tim said “Following the advice of Harvard Business School and every other guru in

These aspects are reflected in a membership recruitment that continues to rise, membership retention rates remain among the best in Scotland and increasing key membership amongst the largest employers in our region who value the work that DACC does to speak up for business."

Tim Allan

Colin Loveday

the business world, I have surrounded myself with those much more talented than me and thus we have in 2016 a chamber that is certainly an energised and dynamic organisation. Members feel engaged and valued: events are wide ranging and interesting; our voice is heard and media coverage is excellent.

The Board recommend that Tim is succeeded by Vice-President, Colin Loveday, who has been a Board member since 2014, having been formally appointed as a Director at the AGM that year. Colin will be supported by Deborah Miller of MacRoberts, who is being recommended as Vice-President by the Board. Both positions will be considered by the members at the 2016 AGM. Colin brings with him a wealth of experience, having run large and small enterprises, and is an active member of the digital community in Scotland and the UK.

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TRUSTED TRADERS

Find trusted traders near you Trusted Trader is Scotland’s biggest local government run trader scheme, operated across eleven Scottish council areas. The schemes are managed by councils’ Trading Standards services in partnership with business, and aim to increase consumer confidence, promote good practice within local businesses and help to protect citizens from rogue traders and doorstep crime. Trusted Trader was first launched by Dundee City Council in 2005 and is steadily growing to include more councils and more business sectors..

Customer Ratings and Reviews It is a condition of membership of the scheme that members adhere to a Code of Practice. The services delivered by member businesses are assessed by their own customers, who share their ratings and reviews through a robust and comprehensive customer survey system.

Only trusted traders We need to make sure that consumers can trust the traders on our scheme, and here’s some of what we check: Complaints. We make sure that traders do not have a record of consumer disputes or prior offences.

Memberships. We make sure that the business really is a member of any trade association that they claim.

Public Liability Insurance. We make sure that the business has a suitable level of public liability insurance.

Trading Standards provide a fair and impartial service for both traders and consumers. We will…

Especially for Consumers n Promote the scheme and its members locally. n Provide a comprehensive feedback system that is freely accessible on the internet. n Provide appropriate advice and assistance to the consumer following a complaint. n Provide an Alternative Dispute Resolution service, either internally or through a recognised ombudsman, so that matters can be settled out of court.

Especially for Traders n Provide advice on both civil and consumer protection legislation upon request. n Assist with staff training where possible.

030 33 33 3000 Business Scotland

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n Provide an officer who will act as a point of contact for the business in any dispute, and for the provision of advice and assistance. n Ensure compliance with consumer protection legislation, and agree to carry out any investigations promptly and fairly. n Reserve the right to revoke membership of the scheme where traders pursue a course of business conduct detrimental to consumer’s interests. n Reserve the right to publicise the removal of traders from the scheme where appropriate.

Contact Trading Standards If you are interested in becoming a ‘Trusted Trader’ in any of the local council Trusted Trader schemes highlighted below, then please contact your local trading standards office, you will find details of the nearest to your postcode at www.tradingstandards.scot

REPUTATIONS COUNT – WITH TRUSTED TRADER

ROBUST CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESSES

PROTECTS CONSUMERS

KEEPS OUT THE COWBOYS

BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH CUSTOMER FEEDBACK In a competitive market, the one thing that all truly successful businesses have is a good reputation. Fundamental to achieving that good reputation is knowing what their customers need, and constantly improving through listening to what their customers tell them.

What isn’t so well known is that across Scotland, businesses can access exactly that sort of relationship with their customers, and at a very low cost, through local council Trusted Trader schemes. Trusted Trader is a local partnership scheme, between local firms, their customers and Trading Standards.

It is designed to support and encourage local customer focused firms, driving business to them and away from rogue traders and firms that don’t see their own reputation as important.

With a state of the art feedback system, Trusted Trader provides invaluable information to prospective customers, but also provides businesses with crucial management and customer information, and supports your good reputation.

Find out more about the benefits of the scheme by contacting your local Trusted Trader or Trading Standards team, or contact trusted.trader@dundeecity.gov.uk

Trusted Trader currently has hundreds of firms in various service sectors, across eleven council areas in Scotland, but there is room for lots more.

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WHY THINKING LIKE AN ARTIST CAN MAKE YOU A BETTER LEADER Four questions to get you thinking like one.

Artists are dreamers not useful inspiration for business leaders, right?

Take another look. Warren Buffett declared “I am not a businessman, I am an artist” and increasingly leaders are turning to artists to learn how to stay ahead of the game in a rapidly changing world.

Where do you get your best ideas?

Digital disruption; future tech; Millennials. As Mark Holden of PHD said: “Change will never be this slow again”. Imagination is the lifeblood of artists. They see the future before it happens, they connect the dots.

As a leader you want to do the same. Call it innovation or imagination – this is about unleashing your creativity and having great ideas.

What’s the most important story you need to tell right now?

Business is built on stories. Artists are gifted storytellers. Any leader can give a presentation – great leaders choose their words with the wisdom of poets and their images with the eye of a photographer. Experience the power of the TED talk (ted.com) and the power of storytelling at The Moth (themoth.org).

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Who tells you the truth about your leadership?

Artists lay themselves bare to criticism. In a ‘crit’, artists invite feedback – good and bad – because they know it will make their art better. It can be lonely at the top and it takes a courageous leader to ask for, and listen to, peoples' thoughts on their leadership style.

Why do you lead?

Simon Sinek states that “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it”. Artists are powered by purpose, as a leader you must be too. Artists are masters of expressing their vision. People want to believe in what they do and that starts with leaders explaining why they choose to lead.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Young talent in the Highlands Retaining young talent and ensuring Highland employers have a strong flow of new recruits readily equipped for the demands of today’s workforce is extremely important to Inverness Chamber of Commerce.

Which is why I am especially pleased to announce that from 1st April this year, we will be leading a new business-led initiative to develop the Highlands’ young workforce.

Announced on 9 March by the cabinet secretary for fair work, skills and training, Rosanna Cunningham MSP, the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) campaign aims to reduce youth unemployment and improve young peoples’ transition into sustainable employment.

It has been set up following the publication of the final Wood Commission report, which highlighted the need for educational experiences to be relevant to the world of work. This inspired the creation of the Scottish Government’s Youth Employment Strategy, which focusses on improving work experience, careers information, advice and guidance and providing greater access to vocational learning.

Inverness Chamber of Commerce’s role

where Inverness College UHI has become the first Scottish institution to develop a complete pathway for work-based learning.

Starting with Foundation apprenticeships at secondary school, students can now progress through Modern and Graduate level apprenticeships too, resulting in the achievement of a professionally recognised degree.

as a lead partner will be to form a regional DYW group for Inverness and the Central Highlands with the aim of fostering a culture of real partnership between employers and education. As part of this process, Inverness Chamber of Commerce will be working closely with the region’s leading employers, educators and stakeholders including Inverness College UHI, Skills Development Scotland and the Highland Council’s education department.

The group will then work together to provide practical support to improve engagement with schools and facilitate dialogue between educators, learners and employers. This will include supporting work experience and careers fairs and highlighting the benefits of the wide variety of apprenticeship schemes on offer.

This is particularly the case in the Highlands

The DYW initiative has also been designed to encourage young people to start thinking about work much earlier. As such, the Inverness and Central Highland group will be looking to develop innovative ways to engage children as young as 11, as well as their parents.

We are very excited to be leading such an important programme, particularly for the Highlands where youth migration and unemployment has been a long-standing challenge for businesses and communities alike. We will be announcing our launch plans shortly, as well as recruiting for board members and project staff.

If you are a Highland employer and would like to support the programme, we would be very interested in hearing from you.

Similarly, if you are interested in finding out more about the programme and how you can get involved, please get in touch by contacting Andy Maxtone, Programme Manager, by email at andy@inverness-chamber.co.uk or on his direct-line 01463 228389.

Project Manager set to Develop the Young Workforce Following the announcement of a four year project to help bridge the gap between education and industry earlier last month, the Board of ‘Developing the Young Workforce in Moray’ have appointed their team to implement the strategy.

The strategy and targets, agreed with Scottish Government, will enable young people, their parents and their teachers to understand the local labour market and opportunities and progression paths that are available to them. The project will also see sustainable long term partnerships being formed between local businesses and schools/colleges. This improved two-way relationship will see significant improvements in the amount of young people who are recruited locally and increased number of young people taking a modern apprenticeship.

Steve Bremner has been appointed as

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Project Manager for DYW Moray and began at the start of April. He says: “I am delighted to be joining to the Moray Chamber to help establish and deliver the “Developing the young workforce” strategy here in Moray. Coming from a recruitment background, not just as an employee but as a former business owner I recognise the challenges that both businesses and young job seekers face. I’m looking forward to engaging with the public, private and third sectors to help build sustainable interconnected relationships that will not only benefit our developing young workforce, they will also help our business community to ensure they have appropriately skilled staff to facilitate their growth ambitions.”

Steve will be joined by Support Assistant, Julie Cameron who will start at the beginning of May. The DYW Moray Board

will be officially launching the project at an event at the Alexander Graham Bell Centre, Moray College UHI on Tuesday 10th May; further details will be out in due course.

Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce and Project Director of DYW advised “We have been working on this application with the government over the last year, so to finally have the staff and resources to push it forward makes this a very exciting time. We have an enthusiastic Board made up from mainly private sector local businesses and to have their support from the start is very encouraging.”

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T U R N U P TH E E X P E R I E N C E

CHAMBER NEWS

Caithness Chamber takes the lead on tourism small and helping them to learn more about the opportunities digital has to offer.

The Scottish Highlands has long been renowned for its welcoming hospitality and stunning location, but to really make the most of this and tap in to the booming market of online, digital tourists attracted to Scotland through vibrant campaigns from VisitScotland and, more locally, the North Coast 500 and Venture North, we must first get to grips with resources which will enable us to reach them.

As Spring enters full swing, with it comes the peak season for our tourism sector.

Caithness Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce at this fitting time that Caithness has now achieved WorldHost Recognised Destination Status for the county – something which the Chamber team has worked hard to facilitate.

Businesses from within the sector here in Caithness have been enthusiastic and dedicated in their approach to achieving this accolade, which requires each business to pass 50% of their customer-facing staff through the rigorous and thorough training WorldHost themselves provide. For the county to gain Recognised Destination status, 25% of all our businesses from the tourism sector had to achieve their individual recognition and we could not have achieved this landmark victory without their commitment.

Continuing on the theme of tourism, Caithness Chamber of Commerce have been commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to facilitate the Digital Tourism Scotland programme within Caithness and Sutherland which will ensure that the region is prepared to take advantage of digital technologies in attracting and welcoming visitors.

Initially we set out to gauge the current use of digital within the sector, contacting businesses from all areas of the region to gain feedback about their activities and whether they manage their own content, how successful their efforts are, and why they use their current methods of communication.

We have now begun to roll out workshops and webinars to key locations across the region, engaging with businesses large and

This exciting new programme will support tourism businesses in the region to learn about and take advantage of a range of digital technologies, and to ensure that they are ready to make the best of the opportunities digital has to offer.

The North Highlands has a huge amount to offer, but without taking advantage of the new opportunities available in digital, we risk losing out on a whole new market. By working together, we can develop a strategy to address any issues our businesses face, and help the region develop for the good of all.

As we head in to high season, we take with us new opportunities and a fresh outlook which we hope will make this year the best yet for Caithness and Sutherland, putting us firmly on the map for holidaymakers.

Businesses which are interested in taking part in the programme can visit the Chamber website or contact the team direct to find out more about what’s on and how they can get involved.

Dental Nurse Academy apprenticeship success Teenager Courtney Hirshall was nervous about leaving school to start a Modern Apprenticeship – but knows now that she made the right decision.

Everyone at the practice has been really helpful and I look forward to becoming a qualified dental nurse."

Training organisation, Tell, runs a Dental Nurse Academy which is funded by Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

Candidates participate in a rigorous programme which deals with health and safety, infection control and medical emergencies, and end up with a Certificate of Work Readiness which shows employers that they have relevant experience.

Like many young people, Courtney (18), from Clydebank, was apprehensive about her future.

A chat with her careers adviser and potential employer helped her decide to become an apprentice dental nurse.

She was recruited by Mark Burns and Associates dental practice in Drumchapel, through Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce Member, the Tell Organisation.

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Courtney Hirshall

Courtney said: “With my apprenticeship I’m learning new things every day in a proper, professional environment. Getting paid for it as well is really nice.

“I enjoy the practical side at college.

Angela Kershaw, Business Development Executive at Dumbarton-based Tell, said: “We are passionate about providing worthwhile, sustainable job opportunities for young people and are delighted to work in partnership with SDS.”

Business know-how helps to keep kids at play Nestled in the middle of Glasgow’s Castlemilk estate is a thriving charity helping children to develop their physical and mental well-being through play. But behind the play is a network of expert support and tailored advice.

The Jeely Piece Club, which specialises in transforming children’s lives, has itself been transformed by the dedication of its staff, the long-term support of funders Inspiring Scotland, and an extensive network of pro bono supporters, offering free professional help.

This has included advice in HR and employment law, business development, mentoring and even VAT. This assistance has been invaluable to a charity working hard in the local community, one that has grown from the founders living room to a nursery and a “Playzone” complex specialising in outdoor play. Between the two buildings, the Jeely now employs 29 permanent staff.

The nursery looks after 48 vulnerable children and families and the Playzone attracts over 20,000 visits by children every year.

We at Inspiring Scotland know our Pro Bono network is invaluable to the 200 charities we work with throughout Scotland.

The power of dedicated support from professionals can be transformational to organisations that lack the capacity and funds to develop and grow in line with demand.

If you could lend your time and expertise to charities like the Jeely Piece Club, we welcome all professionals from social media experts to corporate lawyers.

Please contact: Elaine Crichton, Inspiring Scotland Pro Bono Executive on 0131 442 8782 • 07718 670925 • elaine@inspiringscotland.org.uk • @ProBonoScotland Inspiring Scotland is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in Scotland, No. SC342436, and a registered Scottish Charity, No. SC039605

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2015

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INVERNESS CAMPUS

Momentum builds at rapidly developing science campus There is a real buzz about Inverness Campus as it reaches its first anniversary, having made great strides towards becoming one of the most important life science centres in the UK. HIE Project Director Ruaraidh MacNeil said: “There is a real momentum about the Campus as more organisations move in.

Having them so close together means that they can collaborate and that is giving the Campus a real dynamism.

Inverness Campus is a nationally and internationally significant location for business, research and education with more and more organisations moving into buildings that offer a high-quality environment for innovation and business development.

Developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Campus occupies 215 acres at Beechwood, east Inverness, adjacent to Raigmore Hospital, LifeScan Scotland and the Centre for Health Science on one side and Inverness Retail and Business Park on the other.

A number of key organisations are already supporting the project, including the University of The Highlands and Islands, the Centre for Health Science and Scotland’s Rural College.

In addition, a number of life science companies have either signed up, moved in or expressed interest and together they are looking to develop new projects.

The Campus is a place where business and the community thrive and by 2020 almost 1,300 full time jobs are expected on site.

The Scottish Government already considers Inverness Campus to be one of Scotland’s key development opportunities.

“We studied some of the most successful projects elsewhere, including in Canada, Sweden, Finland and Norway, to come up with the best design to allow effective collaboration and as more organisations start their work the future looks exciting.

We are already talking to a number of companies about moving here.”

For further information on the opportunities at Inverness Campus, visit www.invernesscampus.co.uk

LET’S WORK TOGETHER IN THE HEART OF THE HIGHLANDS Building collaboration between the worlds of businesses, learning and research – Inverness Campus is an inspiring location.

With a range of serviced plots, office and laboratory space available, it could be the perfect place for your innovative enterprise.

Find out more at www.invernesscampus.co.uk

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SMAS

Our innovative and diverse manufacturing sector is central to helping us achieve an expanding, export-driven Scottish economy Scotland’s wide-ranging manufacturing industry plays a central role in sustaining and growing our economy. The products we create, from world renowned food and drink to textiles and pharmaceuticals, represent over 50 per cent of our international exports and 54 per cent of our expenditure on research and development.

The 189,000 people employed by our manufacturing companies are at the heart of a high-skills, high-wage economy with average earnings in the manufacturing sector above the Scottish average.

Scotland has an amazing heritage, worldclass new product development and a talented and committed workforce with an invaluable level of expertise.

Although our foundations are strong, to really compete on the world stage and maximise the economic return from our efforts and capabilities, there needs to be a determined and intense focus on further improving our productivity. It can only be achieved by clear investment in people, resources, assets and capability.

The recently-launched Manufacturing Action Plan – A Manufacturing Future for Scotland, seeks to re-imagine and reposition manufacturing here in Scotland. The more businesses we have making innovative products, providing ancillary services and expertise and competing successfully on the world stage, the more prosperous our country will become.

The Action Plan is based on a commitment to raising productivity through increased investment and innovation coupled with visionary leadership. We need the most talented individuals who will inspire industry to integrate new technology and innovation, adopt new methods and processes, and truly internationalise their businesses.

SMAS has a key role to play in supporting the Action Plan to help strengthen our

Nick Shields, Director of the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) at Scottish Enterprise

manufacturing base and ensure it plays a central role in Scotland’s economic performance over the next decade. Our team of Practitioners, spread across the whole of Scotland, work with manufacturing businesses day in, day out to embed a focus on excellence, to release the capacity that allows them to make investment decisions and enter more global markets. SMAS’s own business model has shifted and the team is committed to supporting the culture and leadership in the companies we work with, along with a focus on manufacturing assets

Although our foundations are strong, to really compete on the world stage and maximise the economic return from our efforts and capabilities, there needs to be a determined and intense focus on further improving our productivity. It can only be achieved by clear investment in people, resources, assets and capability.

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and technology as well as efficiency and capacity.

The 2016 SMAS National Conference (www.smas2016.co.uk) will take place on the 7th & 8th September at the Westerwood Hotel in Cumbernauld and the agenda will mirror the key themes set out in the Manufacturing Action Plan. We have lined up two days of best practice visits, thoughtprovoking keynote speakers and practical workshops, along with ample opportunity to network and do business.

The conference is a fantastic opportunity to build on the incredible human talent and physical resources you already possess, and I encourage you to sign-up and attend this not to be missed event.

You’ll leave inspired, invigorated and empowered with ideas, knowledge, tools and networks to make a step-change in your business, ultimately helping us all move Scotland’s manufacturing sector from where it is now to where it needs to be.

10th Annual Ball

Friday 11th November 2016 | Glasgow Hilton Join us with friends and colleagues at our spectacular fundraising ball to help support the babies, children and young people treated at Scotland’s largest children’s hospital.

Reserve Your Table Today!

Tables of 10 - £1,100 | Individual Tickets - £120 For more information or to reserve your table, please email william.mcgowan@glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org, call 0141 212 8750 or visit www.GlasgowChildrensHospitalCharity.org Registered in Scotland as a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee.Company No 222439. Scottish Charity Number SC007856. Registered Office – Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, 2nd Floor, PSP House,50 High Craighall Road, Glasgow G4 9UD.

The medical and emotional impact of cancer can have a lasting effect, seriously impacting on people’s mind, body, work and finances. During this period, people don’t always get the support they need.

Macmillan offers vital medical, emotional, practical and financial support. We helped 500,000 people in Scotland last year but we know we’re not reaching everyone who needs our support.

To reach more people we’re expanding our services. For example, in Edinburgh we’re carrying out a £1m programme to transform cancer support services. We’re working with Edinburgh Council to put Information and Support services into local libraries, introducing a vocational rehabilitation service and alongside Edinburgh Leisure, launching a physical activity programme to help cancer patients and survivors.

Cancer is a colossal challenge. In Scotland there are 30,000 people diagnosed each year. There are currently 220,000 people living with cancer - by 2030 this number will rise to over 340,000.

Cancer and its treatment often turn lives upside down. Undergoing treatment can be gruelling. The impact doesn’t stop when treatment is over, at least 1 in 4 people experience a wide range of long-term debilitating health conditions.

We need the help of businesses to raise the funds we need to continue our vital work across Scotland and ensure no one faces cancer alone.

To find out more about how your business could help contact: Aileen Stewart Corporate Fundraising Manager Macmillan Cancer Support Email: astewart@macmillan.org.uk Tel: 07801 307096

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COVER STORY – SCOTTISH CHAMBERS MENTORING PROGRAMME

Business mentorin Scotland’s econom The oil price slump is playing havoc with her main home market. She has to take calls from clients in all time zones at at all hours of the night. She is fighting to build a sustainable business to hand on to the next generation. And still, Jeanette Forbes devotes hours of her time to mentor growing businesses.

You have to ask: Why?

Colin Donald talks to Jeannette Forbes about her work for the Scottish Chambers Mentoring Programme.

Under the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Mentoring Programme, the multi awardwinning chief executive of Aberdeen-based ICT services company PCL is currently acting as guide and confidante to no fewer than seven companies, from hair dressers to engineers to chiropractors and bar and restaurant owners.

But with working days that regularly start at 5am and find her still at her desk at 10pm at night, she isn’t exactly looking for ways to fill her time. Nor is she looking for boxes to tick to show good corporate citizenship. Far from it. Having made time for mentoring, she takes it extremely seriously. Meetings with her are “not just a chat over coffee” but rigorous two-hour sessions, in which “mentees” are expected to arrive fully prepared to make the most of the joint investment of time.

“I think early on in the engagement you have to be clear about structure. This is work. This not just a nice-to-have. It’s an important opportunity for businesses to offload some of the things that are going through their minds, and to get someone

with a different perspective to offer advice.

“But they need to be focused. Time is money to me and they should be thinking the same way. If they aren’t, then they aren’t showing true business acumen.”

Self-confessedly “incredibly driven”, the story of Mrs Forbes’s rise from receptionist, secretary and working mum to globallynetworked ICT entrepreneur and chief executive is one of Scotland’s most inspirational business stories. PCL now does business in 17 countries while she herself is the toast of the international motivational speaking circuit, particularly lauded for advancing the cause of women in the “man’s world” of ICT. But it is because of, not despite, the success she has already achieved that she still cares about helping struggling young companies through their everyday problems, and still believes in sharing the benefit of her experience.

As Mrs Forbes describes it, mentoring young companies is part duty, part pleasure. She relishes her engagement with younger business people, who tend to

be in their 30s and 40s. But like all good leaders, her brain is set to receive as well as to transmit.

“You will be surprised by how much I have learned , I have learned a lot form people coming to speak to me, and having similar experiences” she says.

But she also sees the investment of time as repaying a kind of debt of honour.

“I was asked if I would get involved in mentoring through SCC, someone in Aberdeen, to begin with. I thought, have I got the time, especially when you’re running your own business, and finding time to do everything you need to do within your own establishment. “ “But my view was that if there are young and up and coming budding entrepreneurs, sometimes you have to speak to other people. I myself had learned an awful lot from people who were already in business and I was able to speak to them about how they dealt with things, what was their approach? In fact, I became the networking queen of Aberdeen, because I spent an awful lot of time talking to people!”

“It sounds bizarre but you become like a sponge, you absorb all that information and store it and as time goes on you start to put it into practice in your own business.

So when the mentoring thing came along I thought it was a great way to impart some of that knowledge and some of my own experience gathered over the years.” continued page 48

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COVER STORY – SCOTTISH CHAMBERS MENTORING PROGRAMME

ing grows my

They need to be focused. Time is money to me and they should be thinking the same way. If they aren’t, then they aren’t showing true business acumen.

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COVER STORY – SCOTTISH CHAMBERS MENTORING PROGRAMME

Jeannette Forbes

How prescriptive is her advice?

“It’s not about telling people how to do it. All you can do is use your own experience as an example and say ‘I did this’. You can give them that knowledge and it’s their decision as to what they do with what you said. They can take it or leave it.”

“I think that’s very much the way you have to look at it, it’s from your own experience.

Business is like drama and you have trod those boards yourself. You can impart that information.”

The most common problems people come to her with, she says, are “about staffing and money”, “These are the two main things you are going to have issues with as far as I’m concerned in any business.”

Her own experience has given her an instinctive feel for the all-important human software, and striking the right kind of balance of personalities that a business needs between “givers” and “takers”. She can now intuitively spot those who you can and can’t rely on. So does she ever feel tempted to, be prescriptive if the personnel chemistry is clearly causing problems?

“I’d never actually recommend that anyone get rid of anyone. It would be wrong to do this on hearsay as there are always two sides to every story. I might look for an alternative and that eases them into thinking they might need to do something.”

The school of hard knocks has also qualified her to give life-saving tips about how to

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conduct yourself when a VAT bill hits you when cash is critical and HMRC comes.

“I tell them the first thing you need to do is not bury your head in the sand, you need to speak to HMRC, and come up with a payment plan, something is better than nothing.”

One last piece of advice, directed at wouldbe mentors: “If you think you are going to get new clients out of it, forget it. It’s not going to happen.

Out of all the people I’ve mentored over the years I’ve only got one client and that was because they happened to be looking to improve their technology and they wanted someone they could trust.”

In other words, if you don’t see business mentoring as a labour of love, then it’s probably not for you. If however you care about the success of Scottish business and the economy, and want to expand your horizons while helping others, Jeanette Forbes’s path is one to follow.

A Yorkshirewoman and adopted Aberdonian, Jeanette Forbes founded PCL after being made redundant from her job as IT Systems Manager for ESL Group. She started the company from her dining room table in 2000, with her only access to the internet being the metred computer in the local library.

She is now working on an exit strategy and succession plan in which the future CEO’s of PCL Group will be her son and daughter.

It’s not about telling people how to do it. All you can do is use your own experience as an example and say ‘I did this’. You can give them that knowledge and it’s their decision as to what they do with what you said. They can take it or leave it.

BUSINESS

MENTORING

Our Business Mentoring service can help you realise your business growth ambitions.

To find out more about our free service, email mentoring@scottishchambers.org.uk or call us on 0845 609 6622. www.scottish-enterprise.com/mentor

COVER STORY – SCOTTISH CHAMBERS MENTORING PROGRAMME

Mentoring makes a difference Ian McIntyre set up on his own as a Chartered Architectural Technologist having worked previously for other firms delivering projects to an agreed brief. Ian recognised that he faced a number of challenges including how to create business systems for administration, contract administration processes, marketing approaches and promotion of his services to prospective clients.

Why Mentoring?

Ian was aware of the challenges over and above delivering the work and was looking for assistance to establish and develop the business into a sustainable enterprise.

Ian attended various Business Gateway workshops and felt that he needed more of a relationship to counter the challenges of working on his own and handling all roles in a different way of life. Conversations and contact through the Chamber of Commerce led to the mentoring programme application and the match with Fiona Thornton of Lloyds Banking Group acted as the Mentor.

Mentoring Process Fiona came to visit and chatted through things as well as sharing background information and histories. Both parties hit it off immediately and a good rapport was established. It was agreed to meet monthly with telephone conversations in between as suits.

The Business Issues There were three areas tackled during the mentoring period: n building confidence to develop client relationships and win new business – running the business brings pressure to gain sustained workflow, target specific types of work/clients and develop client relationships. This brings new challenges for a business owner and requires a different mind-set beyond delivery of the projects. The mentoring assisted by discussing the challenges, finding focus on the bigger picture and developing coping strategies to make everything more enjoyable. n procedures in running the business – the mentoring assisted by discussing the challenge and finding a systematised way to approach prospective clients, follow up contact in writing, creating the right

Forth Architecture commissioned to create a modern and contemporary space

impression in pitching to clients and keeping clients suitably informed during project delivery. n patterns of work and growth – the mentoring assisted with balancing business and lifestyle choices and finding a suitable blend that fits with the personal and business objectives.

The Mentoring Effects The mentoring process produced real benefits and business results stemming from the increased confidence of the business owner – this was the key impact with clear evidence of positive changes over the year. The business is now on a stronger footing and Ian is now working much more efficiently and effectively as a result of the mentoring process and discussions. A network of local contacts has been established and relationship building has improved to boost confidence, assist business decision making and improve personal lifestyle. Fees, turnover and profits have all increased and the business is moving in the preferred direction. In the past year turnover has increased by 40%,

client base is up 33% and profits are up by 30%. This would not have happened in the absence of mentoring.

What made Mentoring Work?

Several things were important in the success of mentoring: commitment to the process from both parties; agreeing what to expect and what not to expect; informal setting for the discussions; mutual trust and likability; open discussion and sharing of information/ thoughts; suitable intervals between the meetings to give time to think and reflect before deciding and actioning.

Would you recommend mentoring?

As Ian said: “Yes, definitely. All businesses go through the same set of challenges and can benefit from mentoring – it will really make a difference.”

Contact us today and grow your business Business Mentoring Team

t: 0141 204 8373

www.scottishchambers.org.uk/services/business-mentoring

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Charlie Ramsay

Carol-Anne Morris

Fiona McCann

Louise Ramsay

COVER STORY – SCOTTISH CHAMBERS MENTORING PROGRAMME

Mentoring makes positive impact on local communities Douglas (Dougi) Bryce of JudoScotland, had participated in a sportscotland development programme for senior post holders within Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport (SGB). The option to access a mentor through the Chamber of Commerce was an attractive follow-on to complement the programme and potentially add some value from a different perspective.

Mentoring Process Contact with the Chamber of Commerce and an outline of the desired characteristics of a mentor led to six potential mentor suggestions, all with no Judo and/or Sports backgrounds as requested. One mentor jumped out in terms of background, experience and achievements. An initial meeting was arranged and the match completed with an agreed process to have regular meetings that would explore a range of business and organisational topics.

Steve Snow of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce acted as the Mentor.

The initial discussion between Dougi and the mentor Steve led to positive and solid basis for the mentoring. Steve had a suitable way of working – meeting for coffee around a set of topics which was flexible to suit the requirements of the time. Meetings lasted between an hour and an hour and a half and covered a wide range of topics.

The Business Issues Topics discussed included strategy implementation, structures, staff reorganisation, review processes and internal communications. The conversations shared issues and potential approaches to devising suitable solutions, drawing on the mentor’s experience in other organisations in very different sectors (non-sporting).

Relaxed but challenging discussion and sharing information happened naturally to produce a range of helpful ideas and relevant examples, especially around performance delivery and improvement.

Mentoring has certainly been a contributor to change and the confidence and effectiveness of decisions taken. Many of the effects have been subtle yet effective in psychology of implementing change and how customers are involved.

Image by Mike Varey

The Mentoring Effects The mentoring process had a positive effect on Dougi as the organisational leader in a SGB, with all the sensitivities involved in that role. As the mentoring relationship developed organically, the benefits also grew with increased clarity on the solutions to implementation challenges. Mentoring was helpful at a particularly busy time of change in the organisation, with many issues to be handled simultaneously. Having a mentor to act as a sounding board and a source of knowledge was an ideal complementary form of assistance. Decisions and actions rested with Dougi but were informed by conversations and information sharing with Steve.

Effective change has been achieved with support from the mentoring process and strategic discussions – mentoring support was accessed at just the right time when major changes were being implemented.

As a mentor, Steve provided a wealth of knowledge and interesting views on the challenges and how to implement change successfully. Positive impacts on HR decisions, staff management and communications were notable - even if it is difficult to attribute precise impacts to the mentoring process. Mentoring has certainly been a contributor to change and the confidence and effectiveness of decisions taken. Many of the effects have been subtle yet effective in psychology of implementing change and how customers are involved.

What made Mentoring Work?

for a productive mentoring match. The mentor Steve provided a valuable sounding board for thoughts and ideas, raising questions and provided Dougi with an outlet to explore solutions and their implications calibrated with experience elsewhere. The alternative, non-sporting perspective was essential to avoid any conflicts and maintain objectivity.

As Steve said “from my perspective, building a solid relationship is paramount.

Sometimes you don’t click straightaway and it takes time - we clicked very early on and our sessions were productive and enjoyable at the same time. Also it’s good to get some momentum and traction early on.

It was also interesting for me was that I have never touched this type of business before yet they faced similar challenges to any other as well as some unique challenges. I learnt a great deal as well.”

Would you recommend mentoring?

Dougi said: “Yes I would recommend mentoring as a valuable service. It is always important to choose the mentor carefully, ideally someone with a new perspective from outside the sector – in this case sport.

It is also important to get someone who has an interest in you personally and learning about what you and the organisation does.

It is still up to the organisational leader to find the right solutions and make the right decisions. Mentoring provides a sounding board but is no substitute for the hard skills of organisational leadership”.

The relationship was the basis for mentoring success. The blend of knowledge and experience combined with an open trusting basis for all discussions laid the foundations

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SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Empowering a world-leading Digital Scotland

By Steven Grier

Country Manager, Microsoft Scotland We at Microsoft are passionate about the role that technology can play in empowering every citizen and every business on the planet to achieve more. We are delighted too that Scotland sees the opportunity to become a truly great Digital Nation.

Here, Steven Grier – Country Manager, Microsoft Scotland speaks about Microsoft’s recent involvement in developing a Digital Blueprint for Scotland, looking at what it might take to empower a world-leading Digital Scotland.

“Our Blueprint makes recommendations for 2016 as we choose who will represent us in Parliament and who will form our next Scottish Government. The recommendations are able to draw on work commissioned by the Scottish Futures Trust and on other surveys from the Office of the Chief Economist and from regular member research conducted by our trade body for the ICT Industry, Scotland IS. The message appears simple. There is a huge prize waiting to be grasped by Scotland

99%

Scottish people with access to the internet

95%

businesses using cloud computing services

8.2M

internet enabled devices

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if we can truly commit to becoming a worldleading digital nation by 2030. The prize is not just about economic growth nor is it a prize that will be shared only by those who sell or create technology solutions and services. It is a prize that can also improve life chances and quality of life for many of the citizens of Scotland.

Delivering the benefits of a Digital Nation is all about partnership. Partnership between public and private, commercial and third sector, government and citizen – these partnerships can be challenging and occasionally difficult or complex to manage, however, the evidence from across the globe is that once we reach agreement on the goal of becoming a truly great Digital Nation then we know the effort and end result will be worth it.

Let us take education, one of my personal passions. Glow is potentially a world class intranet for schools, a cloud based platform that gives every Scottish pupil and teacher the opportunity to participate in a highly personalised learning journey and to truly reach out beyond their own classroom, school or local authority as part of their learning and teaching experience.

There are some fantastic examples of imaginative use which is inspiring both teachers and pupils.

90%

accessing numerous public services online

The Scottish Futures Trust report, based on scenario planning and forecasting

by Deloitte, suggests that we could add a cumulative £100 billion of GDP to our economy from now to 2030. That is a big number but what does that mean to the citizens of Scotland? It means more high value jobs being created. It means helping local Scottish businesses to grow internationally. It means improving our public services whilst providing a more personal service. It means a step change in improving educational outcomes. It means helping to get all of us healthier and fitter, and ultimately saving lives.

Scotland has every reason to be proud of its heritage and history, however, that has required continuous reinvention as once great industries have declined. The successful creation of a world leading Digital Nation is an achievement that would define a nation for generations.”

Data usage

26x

higher than 2014 in Scotland

75%

130M

175K

6,000

businesses selling online

digitally empowered jobs created

connected devices in Scotland

small businesses created

THE GAELIC

IN COLLEGE

SCOTLAND

LEARN GAELIC

CÙRSAICHEAN AIR ASTAR Faigh barrachd fiosrachaidh air a’ phrògram ionnsachaidh air astar againn airson a h-uile duine a tha ag iarraidh Gàidhlig ionnsachadh no an cuid Gàidhlig a neartachadh.

Tha iomadh latha tòiseachaidh is clàr-ama againn agus bith na cùrsaichean againn gad fhàgail nas fhileanta sa chànan agus a’ leigeil leat a’ dhol air adhart gu ìre ceum oilthigh tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig.

Find out more about our supported distance learning programme for anyone wishing to learn or improve their Gaelic. With various entry dates and timetables to suit your needs our courses are designed to enable you to become fluent in the language. ProFindtoout morelevel about ourthrough supported distanceoflearning for gression degree study the medium Gaelic isprogramme also available.

01471 888449

astar@smo.uhi.ac.uk

WWW.SMO.UHI.AC.UK

LEADERS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Protecting future growth of Scottish business A recent London Stock Exchange report identified 1000 companies growing at an average of 50 per cent per year and “ Scottish firms are the fastest growing compared to any other part of the UK” according to the LSE. “These companies are demonstrating amazing results now, I hope they are investing time and money into the capability of their leadership and the development of their organisational culture, whilst celebrating their success.” Says Claire Walton, founder and Executive Director of Leaders Are MAD (Making A Difference), a business providing change leadership consultancy and performance coaching.

falling of a cliff or outstanding growth, without outstanding profit to match.”

Leaders of these organisation failed to invest in developing the capability of their leaders, to run larger, often more complex organisations. They failed to develop talent throughout the business and adapt their organisations’ culture to rise to the challenges of larger scale operations alongside increasing and diverse customer demands.”

Claire urges Scotland’s business leaders to take a moment to celebrate success and then take another to reflect on their leadership, culture and talent development plans. Claire advises: “Ask your self, in 5 years time, what leadership capabilities will you need? what will the ideal culture be? and what talent will you need?” And then ask yourself – Have we plans in place that will really ‘Make A Difference’?”

Claire, who has held many senior positions, including directorship roles with major companies, said: “History provides many examples of organisations growing expenentially and then growth

Claire Walton, Founder and Executive Director of Leaders Are MAD (Making A Difference)

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STRATHCLYDE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Take the Strathclyde route to a top MBA

Widely acknowledged for its innovation in business and management education, Strathclyde Business School (SBS) has demonstrated pioneering developments across its undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Our enterprising spirit has taken the Strathclyde MBA into many new countries via the establishment of eight international centres. Since we first introduced a one year full time MBA programme to the UK in 1966, we have continued to innovate and update our MBA offering to reflect current business practice. 2016 celebrates the 50th anniversary of our full time MBA and the 40th anniversary of our part-time MBA programme. These milestones coincide with the recent £23.2 million transformation of the business school to locate departments in a single business quarter and provide state-of-the-art accommodation for staff and students.

Students who choose our MBA programme can opt for full-time, part-time or flexible learning study options. Our full time programme is studied over 12 months in Glasgow amongst a group of international peers and involves nine months of participation in classes, group work and personal development processes and three months for the MBA project.

Our part time programme is ideal for anyone who wants to fit the MBA programme around their career and this option is offered through evening class twice weekly with four

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compulsory weekend schools spread over the period of study. Typically, part timers complete their degree in around three years.

A major strength of the part time route is that course members can investigate issues at work through the various classes and put what they learn on the MBA into practice immediately.

We also offer a flexible learning option which allows individuals to direct the pace of their own studies while providing the level of support that an internationally recognised school can offer. The Flexible Learning MBA offers a balance between self-study and group interaction, and we encourage peer interaction and group learning through workshops and seminars which gives those on the programme the opportunity to meet with their peers.

In addition to this, Strathclyde Business School and William Grant & Sons have been partners in a successful invitation-only customised MBA programme since 2011.

The MBA25 programme – so named because of its limit of 25 participants – is led by William Grant & Sons but individuals from other hand-picked companies have been invited on to the programme each year.

MBA25 has the backbone of established Strathclyde MBA subjects such as strategy, strategic management and entrepreneurship as part of the curriculum, and there is a strong focus on leadership and innovation as well as the addition of two distinctive elective classes created specifically for the MBA25 – Luxury Brand Marketing and Family Business.

To discuss your MBA options, please call us on 0141 553 6118/6119 or email sbs.admissions@strath.ac.uk. Whichever route you choose, there are a range of scholarships available – for full-time the closing date is May 31st 2016, and there are scholarships on offer until September 1st 2016 for part time and flexible learning routes. To find out more, go to www.strath.ac.uk/business

A triple-accredited business school that’s around the corner... and around the world

Our MBA and Masters programmes are consistently ranked among the best in the UK – and around the world. And with a decade of triple accreditation perhaps that’s no great surprise.

As Scotland’s number one business school, we understand the importance of global thinking.

We are celebrating 50 years of our pioneering MBA this year. We introduced the first one year full time MBA to the UK in 1966 and we continue to introduce innovative business programmes to suit the demands of an evolving business world, extending our academic reach with centres in Europe, Asia and the Gulf.

Our acclaimed MBA programme can be studied on a full time, part time or flexible learning basis which means you don’t have to give up the day job – or travel far – to get a world class MBA. Make Strathclyde your destination.

www.strath.ac.uk/business

MORAY COLLEGE UHI

Moray’s Research Education and Business Hub It may be one of Scotland’s smallest regions, but when it comes to Life Sciences, Education and Tourism, Moray punches well above its weight with The Alexander Graham Bell Centre for Digital Health (AGB Centre). Situated in Elgin, Moray’s historic administrative centre, this innovative research, education and business hub is an alliance between Moray College University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), Moray’s healthcare provider NHS Grampian, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the economic development agency for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Opportunities in Digital Healthcare

rooms used by NHS Grampian.

The AGB Centre has been designed to bring together the expertise in Digital Healthcare and Life Sciences within the region and across Scotland. The state of the art building sits within the Moray College campus and is the seat of learning of the UHI Chair for Digital Health. The AGB Centre provides teaching facilities for Moray College UHI, and houses medical research and training

The AGB Centre provides opportunities for business start-ups or small to medium enterprises working in the field of digital health technologies and research, they can benefit from this world of collaboration as we have a range of research offices available to lease. The exciting combination of academia, health care and business creates a stimulating environment encouraging

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innovation and knowledge transfer. Lease terms are flexible depending on individual requirements and separate packages can be negotiated.

Moray’s expertise in digital health activity and roll out of superfast broadband makes it the ideal place to locate your business.

The region has a highly skilled workforce with a proven model of personnel modifying and transferring skills to work in technology

MORAY COLLEGE UHI

and life science industries. Moray offers spectacular scenery, a wide range of facilities and an excellent quality of life with good schools and affordable housing.

State-of-the-Art Conference Facilities The Alexander Graham Bell Centre for Digital Health provides an ideal venue for your next conference, exhibition or corporate event. The Centre provides a contemporary, prestigious setting for training, seminars, ground-breaking conferences and international events. With up to date technology and top quality conference facilities.

Our conference room accommodates up to 200 delegates, making it the largest commercial conference space in Moray. We offer flexible accommodation with a range of different spaces to suit your event, all competitively priced.

Connecting your business with Scotland and beyond The AGB Centre has excellent access to all the main transport links: n Just off the main A96 trunk road between Aberdeen and Inverness

n Two minute walk from Elgin railway station, a main stop on the Inverness to Aberdeen route, with a regular train service connecting you with the rest of Scotland n Only 40 minutes from Inverness airport and 80 minutes from Aberdeen International Airport offering worldwide connections.

If you would like more information on bringing your business or event to the Alexander Graham Bell Centre for Digital Health check out our new brochures at www.moray.uhi.ac.uk/agbc or contact our Accommodation Team: Tel: +44 (0) 1343 576475 Email: accommodation.moray@uhi.ac.uk Visit: www.moray.uhi.ac.uk/agbc Follow us on twitter @AGBCentre

Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the co-operation of many minds.

Alexander Graham Bell, 1847-1922

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CHAMBER NEWS

Food for thought from Mapco Nasar Rashid has built a successful business in Peterhead which is creating local wealth and helping feed thousands who might starve and all using materials which no one else wants.

In South Korea, dried salmon heads are a well-known delicacy and Mapco is currently undertaking research on salmon and pelagic fish.

“Oily fish represent a challenge because the liquid oil is difficult to extract successfully.

“Our intention is to export salmon for the Korean market in the near future and we are also interested in further opportunities in Japan and China.

He has a strong international background in trading commodities and spent many years sourcing, buying and selling goods across continents and has travelled widely across Asia and Africa.

“In addition we are working with non-fish foods such as vegetables, cheeses and even chicken.

“Large quantities of carrots, potatoes and parsnips are grown in Scotland, come full of natural goodness, but are deemed to be the wrong shape or colour for sale in supermarkets.

The idea for Mapco developed after he was shocked by the hunger he witnessed while in Aba, Nigeria, and investigated what people were eating to survive.

“Each has its own special characteristics and dehydrating requirements.”

“It turned out to be the things that we throw away,” he said. “By western standards, unappetising-sounding fare such as fish heads.

“We only want the fillets but the stuff that doesn’t look great is still food, it still has all the nutrients.”

He spotted the opportunity but securing the capital to launch the business proved hard.

Eventually, with time running out, a personal letter to then HSBC chief executive Michael Geoghegan enabled him to secure the bank loan he required which, along with equity from family and friends, activated a significant grant.

Although he had go to Canada to find a manufacturer willing to build the dehydration machine he had designed - which is a complex wind tunnel - the business got off to a great start.

In 2011, its first year of trading, it had sales of £1.6million. The following year, it was processing 90 tonnes of raw material and was struggling to cope with demand when a ferocious storm destroyed his harbourside factory.

Undaunted he started again from scratch and the £4million replacement factory opened in 2014 and is back in full production with 22 employees and, with fish landings at Peterhead having increased, it has surpassed the levels achieved before the building was destroyed.

“Our containers are shipped direct from Peterhead harbour to Africa, Asia and Europe,” said Mr Rashid.

“The demand for quality dehydrated fish heads in Africa is greater than the supply available.

“There are more than a billion people living on the continent and 400million or more are

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Nasar Rashid

estimated to work informally with no secure employment.

“There is strong GDP growth across most of the 54 constituent countries and a rapidly growing young population, so Africa looks sure to remain an important market for some time.

“Fish heads are both a local delicacy and a way to survive in Africa.

“Many people survive on less than a dollar or two a day.

“By using fish heads full of protein as a starting point for stews and soups, people can supplement their diet.

“Supplying good quality fish-heads is a practical way to support people and is a fundamental starting point for Mapco’s philanthropic approach.

“Fish is also a big part of the diet in Asia.

Dehydration was first developed commercially in France at the end of the 18th century and the earliest large scale applications were pasta and other starch products.

The major benefit to food manufacturers like Mapco is the reduction in weight and volume of food products, which means transportation around the globe is affordable.

“Things are going very well in spite of challenging times,” he said.

“Trading in Africa and Asia, we have to cope with currency fluctuations, political uncertainty and the oil price is a major factor because most African nations rely on oil revenue to sustain their foreign currency.

“However there is still a huge amount of waste in our processing industries and while this food may not be appealing in the western world it is in other parts and these are the markets we need to explore.”

“At Mapco we are acutely aware that not everyone in the world has enough food to eat. The gulf between rich people and poor is often getting greater not less which is why we have set up the Mapco Foundation, a charitable trust working with the less well off in Africa. By helping Africans establish self-sustaining businesses Mapco will help build lives and communities.”

Nasar Rashid, founder of Mapco

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OPEN CRM

What lurks in the shadows of software?

It can be easy for people to be drawn into the shadows of the IT world, lured away from safe and sanctioned waters. But you can prevent this, by ensuring that you find software that meets everybody’s needs.

When Management have worked to find a piece of software that provides all the features they think the company needs as well as the security to keep all of their data safe, the last thing they want is for their staff to go off and use something else. But it happens and that’s where the contrast between Shadow vs Sanctioned IT has arisen.

Sanctioned IT is anything that has been given the green light by a company’s IT policy, it’s been approved, sanctioned, its security has been tried and tested to the limit, and finally procedures are produced on exactly how and where to use the system.

Unfortunately what happens so often is when these systems are implemented, they don’t suit everyone’s style of working and what they actually need from an application. So people start to look elsewhere for their very own ‘cloud based soul mate’ – this becomes Shadow IT.

Well actually yes, and this is where the problem lies.

It’s less about this being a rebellion of the workforce. Most of the people who are looking elsewhere for their systems are quite simply looking for the most efficient and productive way to do their job. In this age of apps, people want the right tools for each of the tasks on their desks. They may not want in-house, clunky and, more often than not, old-hat systems.

But they aren’t necessarily thinking about those bigger talking points that are so vital to the company as a whole. You only need to type Shadow IT into your favourite online search engine and hundreds of fear mongering results will come up, explaining its perils in great detail.

The reason companies need an IT policy is primarily to manage and oversee the entire security of your company’s corporate data, hence why it has traditionally been so important for these kinds of considerations to be at the top of the list when finding and implementing your sanctioned IT. The importance and safety of your company’s and client corporate data is paramount, and using any un-sanctioned online systems can easily weaken what you previously thought to be watertight.

A recent survey by Stratecast found that 80 per cent of employees in any organisation are using cloud-based systems that have not been approved by their business.

Seems like we are at a sticking point doesn’t it? The company approves one thing and the employees need another, but when it comes down to it, you all want the same thing - an effective system to support your working day.

But can it really be such a bad thing if productivity levels and targets are going

By implementing software and systems that can be completely tailored to the needs

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through the roof thanks to their chosen solution?

of each department and working with the members of these departments to identify what they really need, you can significantly reduce the amount of unauthorised systems being used, aligning how teams and company work as a whole.

Add to this your IT policy, which may include ensuring that all data is stored in the EU, and you’ll be able to find some Sanctioned IT that eliminates the need your staff lurking about in the shadows.

At the end of the day, people want products that work for them (I know, big surprise!).

Therefore the ideal scenario is to fuse together the needs of your company to find the right systems for everyone. It needs to be seen as an opportunity to increase productivity, improve your systems and processes, and make your team feel like they are making a difference in the workplace while still keeping everything secure and auditable.

If you have any questions about OpenCRM, please get in touch. I would love to hear from you. Find us at www.opencrm.co.uk or drop us a line at hello@opencrm.co.uk

Graham Anderson, is the CEO and founder of OpenCRM, one of the UK’s leading customer relationship management systems

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS

Trump International Golf Links, Scotland – the ideal place to mix business and pleasure

Looking for somewhere to take your clients for a day out or maybe a weekend stay? Or perhaps somewhere to give your staff a treat as reward for their hard work?

Or maybe you wish to stage a conference or meeting somewhere a bit special? Then look no further than the Trump International Golf Links, Scotland in Aberdeenshire, which is ideally set up to allow you to mix business with pleasure..

Set amidst The Great Dunes of Scotland, Trump International Golf Links, Scotland embraces mile after mile of spectacular Aberdeenshire coastline and guarantees the experience of a lifetime.

Laid out against a dramatic North Sea backdrop, the award-winning championship course offers breathtaking scenery and an unparalleled test of golf.

The highly-acclaimed 7,400 yard, par 72 championship course is designed by renowned links golf architect Dr Martin Hawtree and follows a classical pattern of two out-and-back loops of nine.

Away from the course, there is much else to enjoy. Take the Clubhouse, with its beautiful rich walnut, leather seating, warming fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Perfect for a business lunch, casual supper or even an event for 100+ people, the clubhouse is guaranteed to impress.

Also, nestled in the heart of the magnificent and ancient estate, the five-star, exclusive MacLeod House & Lodge provides unsurpassed luxury accommodation, comfort and service. With origins in the 15th Century, the baronial mansion offers period features while providing modern amenities fit for the 21st Century.

The exquisite nineteen bedroom hotel is adorned with opulent furnishings, fine linens and Italian marble en-suites. With its secret stairways, traditional log fires, whisky snug and spectacular grounds, MacLeod House promises lavish accommodation in a secluded and dramatic location minutes from the clubhouse and golf facilities.

Whether you are hosting a party, corporate event, incentive group or purely looking for the ideal venue for a weekend to remember with friends, MacLeod House & Lodge will surpass all expectations.

The restaurant, lounge and bar areas can be transformed into meeting spaces, private dining, dance floor, gallery or exhibition – whatever your requirement Trump International can cater to your every need and the team of award-winning chefs will work with you to create menus and culinary experiences to suit you, your guests and your event perfectly.

In addition to golf, guests can enjoy a range of activities during their stay including whisky tastings, a traditional Scottish feast complete with piper and dancing, clay pigeon shooting or tours of the plethora of castles and distilleries found in the area.

MacLeod House & Lodge has good road, rail and air links and the guest services team can assist you and your guests with travel arrangements and other requirements including activities and excursions across the region.

Trump International Golf Links is ideal for businesses because it offers both corporate and individual membership options to suit the needs of the modern golfer.

As a Member of Trump International Golf Links, Scotland you will experience one of the best links golf courses in the world and enjoy many benefits associated to a worldclass venue. Annual membership is available to all and offers unlimited use of the golf course and practice facilities. You will have the flexibility of a modern and forward thinking golf club which prides itself on the quality of its golf and its excellent customer service. Membership starts from £2,495 and there are exclusive-use packages from: £8,950. Contact us for more information sales@trumpgolfscotland.com and 01358 743300

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CHAMBER NEWS

Historic Caithness documents find a new home in state-of-the art nuclear records archive A collection of Caithness historic documents dating back more than 500 years is being prepared for relocation to the most up-to-the-minute archive facility in the UK. Later this year the Caithness Archive will be transferred to a state-of-the-art archive facility currently being constructed by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) on a site near the airport at Wick. The NDA is constructing the new archive in order to co-locate and manage nuclear records from all the civil nuclear sites in the UK. Due to a historic partnering arrangement between the NDA and Highland Council a portion of the new NDA Archive will be dedicated to storing the Caithness Archive.

Highlife Highland staff from the old Caithness Archive Centre will move to the new building and continue to provide advice and support to the users of the Archive.

The remaining space in the new archive building will be used to store and manage many thousands of records from all the nuclear sites in the UK, including Dounreay, Sellafield and Harwell.

Public access is a priority for the new building. There will be a display area in the foyer, where local exhibitions will be welcome, and a community room with projector, whiteboard and other equipment made available. It is envisaged community groups will use the space for learning and recreation and local schools and students will be encouraged to use the space as they complete projects on local history and other topics. The building also contains a large public research room with computer terminals and space to lay out documents for reading and research.

The NDA’s commercial partner, Restore Scan Ltd, will be responsible for managing this large, unique collection so that the information is available to support both research endeavors as well as the forthcoming phases of nuclear decommissioning. This will entail managing many thousands of boxes of documents which will fill more than 26 kilometers of shelving. Much of the information will be converted into digital format and made available for electronic research to support the ongoing nuclear decommissioning mission.

More than 20 staff will be employed in Wick to manage both collections and recruitment will commence this summer.

Highlife Highland archivists currently employed at the Caithness Archive Centre will relocate to the new building and will continue to provide a service to the public, advising and supporting visitors at no cost.

The Caithness Archive’s documents relate to the history of the county of Caithness from 1589 to the present day and include

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documents in different formats such as charters, minute books, correspondence maps, photographs and plans. The nuclear collection will bring together vast numbers of plans, photographs, drawings and other information from the civil nuclear industry dating as far back as the Second World War. Consolidation of the nuclear records in Wick will provide value for money and ensure safe and secure long-term management of the information.

The £20m archive is being built on behalf of the NDA by Morrison Construction and will be completed later this year. There will then follow a period of commissioning the building and training staff before records begin to be stored towards the end of the year. It is anticipated that the Caithness Archive will be among the first to relocate to the new premise and a short period of closure may be required to make the transition. The nuclear records will follow and relocation will be carried out over a period of several years. It is anticipated the new archive will be open to the public at the start of 2017.

The NDA’s Business Services Director Rob Higgins said: “The NDA owns all of the

information contained in its Estate. With ownership comes legal and regulatory responsibility for all of this information, regardless of its location, and the key aim of our information Governance Strategy is to move the NDA Estate along the road towards compliance, whilst also realising business benefits and efficiencies by making our information assets more accessible and reusable. Co-location of records from all over the UK to the archive at Wick will be a significant step forward towards achieving this compliance. I’m looking forward to visiting the site in May to see progress for myself.”

Chair of the Dounreay Stakeholder Group, David Flear, who has had an involvement in the project since its inception said: “Siting the UK’s nuclear archive in Wick will provide a positive socio economic legacy of the nuclear industry in Caithness. The agreement to bring the national nuclear archive to Caithness was brokered some time ago and I’m delighted to see such progress has been made with the building.

I’m looking forward now to seeing this significant new facility in action.”

CYCLING SCOTLAND

It’s time to harness pedal power!

There has never been a better time to take up cycling to work and there are plenty of advantages for businesses that support their staff to do so.

That is the message from Cycling Scotland, a charity that aims to ensure anyone anywhere can enjoy all the benefits of cycling.

Cycling Scotland runs initiatives to support businesses wishing to encourage their staff to cycle to work, including the Cycle Friendly Employer Award which officially recognises businesses who support the initiative.

Employers can support those who travel to work by bike through relatively simple measures like providing showers and cycle racks, said Cycling Scotland Chief Executive Keith Irving, who cycles to the railway station from his home every day.

There are already 351 Cycle Friendly Employer workplaces, taking in businesses

employing 150,000 people, and Keith said: “Research shows that staff who cycle to work on a regular basis are healthier and happier. The health benefits from activities like cycling save the economy £128m per year in reduced absenteeism.”

Cycling is a big part of the economy; the UK cycling sector, including retail and manufacture, is worth £2.5bn a year, supporting 23,000 jobs. In addition, cycle tourism is worth £240m to the Scottish economy.

hundreds more on Wee Jaunt family rides in Edinburgh (11th September), Glasgow (12th June) and Aberdeen (date to be announced) to raise money for STV Children’s Appeal, which tackles child poverty. In previous years, corporate teams from RBS to Arnold Clark, have taken part.

You can find out more at www.cycling.scot

Pedal for Scotland, Scotland’s biggest bike event is in its 18th year and will take place on September 11, which will see 10,000 people cycling from Glasgow to Edinburgh with

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SCC ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE

Recovery of Scottish economy key focus

For the Construction sector, there was growth in total new contracts, sales revenue and profitability in the first quarter of this year. Businesses within the sector anticipate growth to continue in terms of sales revenue, employment and investment in the second quarter of 2016. However, skills shortages remain a challenge for the sector due to considerable growth following a period of recession.

Similarly, the Retail & Wholesale sector experienced a relatively successful first quarter of the year, with growth in sales, investment and optimism returning to positive territory. An increase in online sales gave the sector a boost in Q1 2016, and businesses expect growth in sales to continue in the second quarter of the year.

Conversely, the Manufacturing sector experienced a sharp decline in order growth over the quarter following a strong quarter at the end of 2014. Lower levels of capacity utilisation and work in progress may reflect the lower levels of orders reported for Q1 2016, and may explain the negative trend

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QUARTERLY ECONOMIC INDICATOR: CONSTRUCTION SECTOR 35 30 Net % Balance

Over the first quarter of 2016, performance across the Scottish economy is inconsistent throughout the five key business sectors covered by the Quarterly Economic Indicator.

25 20 15 10 5

Q4/2014

Q1/2015

Q1/2015

Q3/2015

Q4/2015

Quarter

balances. However, businesses in the sector expect growth to recover over the next quarter.

The Tourism industry in Scotland had a strong quarter in terms of sales and investment trends, but is experiencing weaker levels of confidence on future performance as well as tightening profit margins.

The Financial & Business Services sector has continued to perform poorly in the first quarter of 2016, as it has done since Q2 2015. This trend within the sector reflects the continued impact that the low global

market price for Brent crude oil has on the Scottish economy.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Indicator engages with five of Scotland’s key business sectors: Construction, Financial and Business Services, Manufacturing, Retail & Wholesale and Tourism. It is the longest running business survey of its kind These findings, released in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute show the position of businesses for the first quarter of 2016.

THE MORAY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

Moray - A veritable giant when it comes to business

Nestling between the rich farmlands of Aberdeenshire and the mountains and glens of the Highlands, Moray is one of Scotland’s smallest regions, but it’s a veritable giant when it comes to business.

Made in Moray Industry leaders such as the Baxters Food Group and Walkers shortbread are located in Moray which is also home to more than half the distilleries in Scotland. World-famous brands such as Macallan, Benromach, Cardhu, Glenlivet and Glenfiddich have their distilleries here in the area’s Speyside region.

Indeed, it is estimated that over thirty million litres of whisky travel south down the A95 every year, making Moray an undeniable major contributor to Scotland’s food exports and the UK’s tax revenues. Even the man credited with creating the digestive biscuit, Sir Alexander Grant (1864-1937) hailed from

the Moray town of Forres and is part of the area’s long association with food and drink.

Surf and turf could have been invented here, with Ballindalloch Castle, which has been at the forefront of breeding and exporting Aberdeen Angus cattle since 1860 seeing a recent resurgence of interest in the breed worldwide and Buckie-based Associated Seafoods Ltd also with a truly global reach.

Their seafood is exported across the world and can be found as far afield as Hong Kong and Mexico. They process a staggering 600 tonnes of smoked salmon alone using fish raised in Scotland’s pristine waters.

But Moray is not just a centre for food and

drink. Major construction firms such as Robertson Group and Springfield Homes, as well as the internationally renowned engineering firm Forsyth Group, have their roots in Moray. Cashmere and fine woollens specialist Johnstons of Elgin can trace their family-owned business heritage as far back as 1797, and many of the area’s companies have been established for more than 60 years.

Whilst the products made in Moray are exported across the world it’s generally been true to say that when the company starts in Moray it usually stays in Moray. So what is it about Moray that makes successful businesses want to stay?

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THE MORAY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP Employed in Moray Moray offers a well-educated, skilled workforce with a great reputation for customer service, as well as low staff turnover and high retention rates. The area has access to an even wider labour pool as there are 236,000 people within a one hour drive of the area’s capital Elgin. Over 85% of its working age population are in employment, 5% higher than the Scottish average.

Workers in Moray are more likely to have a skill than those in Scotland as a whole.

Moray College, part of the new University of the Highlands and Islands, has over 8,000 enrolled students who study a range of degree and postgraduate courses. Moray has a strong educational base and there are eight secondary schools, which in 2011 produced 1,021 school leavers. Some 89% of them went on to further or higher education or gained employment.

There has been a Ministry of Defence base in Moray for over 70 years. RAF Lossiemouth is the home of the RAF’s fast-jet Typhoons and the UK Tornado aircrew training school.

It’s also soon to be the UK base for the new fleet of P8 surveillance aircraft. Fifteen miles along the coast, Kinloss Barracks is the base for 39 Engineer Regiment. The close affinity of the armed services provides a highlyskilled labour base, particularly in electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines when servicemen look for local employment upon leaving the services.

The strengths of engineering and the ongoing strategy to diversify and apply the benefits of the oil and gas industry around Scotland put Moray in a prime position as a great place to invest.

Backing Moray Whilst Moray is proud of its existing industries, like all regions it needs to invest in the future. The Moray Economic Partnership set up in Moray in 2011 has a remit to do precisely that. The partnership maximises the combined strengths of its business community and the public sector including Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Moray Council. Their stated purpose is to deliver the four main targets for the Moray Economic Strategy, namely; grow Moray’s population, attract young people from 16-25 to stay in the region, create jobs and increase average earnings.

Speyside is leading the way when it comes to investment in the Scotch whisky industry, with almost a quarter of a billion pounds spent or pledged in the last five years making the distilleries in Moray some of the most modern production facilities in the world. Figures compiled by the Moray Economic Partnership (MEP) show that around half of the 50 working distilleries on Speyside have been or will be expanded or upgraded. This includes a new £100 million distillery and visitor centre for The Macallan due for completion in 2017, and/or upgrades at eight of Diageo’s distilleries and around £25 million of spending by Chivas Brothers on the Dalmunach distillery, Carron which opened in June 2015, as well as investing in upgrades to several of its existing distilleries.

The public sector is also investing heavily, in the area with £170 million spent in Moray on flood alleviation schemes and on schools.

March this year saw the first turf cut for a £28.8million new Elgin High School which follows a £30 million replacement building for Elgin Academy in 2012 and £10 million for a replacement Keith primary school.

The Enterprise Park Forres is home to a mix of diverse businesses across a range of sectors. The park provides a thriving environment with a unique range of high

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quality units, land development opportunities and an on-site business and innovation centre. In 2012 Highlands and Islands Enterprise invested a further £10 million to accelerate the building of facilities and infrastructure at the Forres Enterprise Park to meet the needs of investors and ambitious businesses who want to grow in Moray.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise is currently working with the Glasgow School of Art on a £10 million project to make a wide range of teaching and research opportunities available to students, businesses and communities across the region. This move will strengthen the region’s growing reputation for creativity, innovation and expanding use of digital technology; crucial factors that HIE believes will underpin sustainable economic and community development in the coming years.

Make it Moray Even small businesses get to prosper- 315 new businesses got off the ground in the year to March 2014, 123 with support from the local Business Gateway. This led to the creation of 238 full-time equivalent jobs and 78% of those who received support from Business Gateway are still trading three years later compared to a national average of 72%.

THE MORAY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP The Alexander Graham Bell Centre is a research, education and business hub designed to bring together expertise in Digital Healthcare and Life Sciences within Moray and across Scotland. The £6.5million project, located at the Moray College University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) campus in Elgin, is an alliance between Moray College UHI, Moray’s healthcare provider NHS Grampian, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the economic development agency for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The building provides teaching facilities for the college and houses medical research and training rooms used

by NHS Grampian. The Centre is home to the seat of learning of the UHI Chair for Digital Health and provides the ideal venue for meetings, training or conferences, as well as offices to lease. More information is available from the Accommodation Team Moray College UHI. T: 44(0)1343 576475 accommodation.moray@uhi.ac.uk

away and Aberdeen Airport is a leisurely 90-minute drive. Moray has better air connections than most UK locations with 138 flights per week, including 35 flights to London airports and a daily connection into the international hub of Amsterdam. Every

And if the above has not persuaded you to come and discover Moray for yourself, maybe this just might:-

Building on Moray’s long history as an engineering and fabrication base for the oil and gas and distillation industries, combined with its proximity to the proposed offshore wind projects in the Moray Firth, Buckie Harbour is suitable for a wide range of uses for cargo handling, manufacturing, fabrication, shipbuilding and repair.

A commercial and fishing port halfway between Inverness and Fraserburgh, Buckie Harbour is well placed to function as an operations and maintenance base given it’s only 25 miles from the site of the Moray Offshore Renewables wind farm and 36 miles from the adjacent Beatrice Offshore wind farm.

We also played our part in new technology.

Electrical components made in Moray have travelled 6 miles into the earth’s core and out 140 million miles to Mars.

Enterprise Park Forres Space to let & land development. T: 44(0)1309 696000 forres@ hie.co.uk http://www.enterpriseparkforres.co.uk/ Properties and Plots for Sale/Lease: Estates Manager Council Office High Street Elgin IV30 1BX t. 0300 1234566 estates@moray. gov.uk

Location Inverness Airport is only 35 minutes

Piping at Forres and the Moray Walking Festival and has also hosted the Etape Cycling event and World Orienteering championships.

The creative arts are showcased by the Findhorn Bay Arts Festival, the Speyfest traditional music event and many other live performances across the region.

Moray is home to 18 golf courses including one with the highest tee in Scotland.

Its 35 miles of golden sandy beaches are in the top 12 most beautiful and unspoiled in the world, as voted by National Geographic

major UK city can be reached within a day.

VisitMoray Moray Speyside Tourism works closely with the Moray Economic Partnership to help each support their aims. The area was recently boosted by a project with VisitScotland to promote Moray as the home of the real Macbeth, capitalising on the 2015 film starring Michael Fassbender.

Initiatives for 2016 include the Moray Speyside Larder - promoting the food and drink of the area including the world’s only Malt Whisky Trail; Cycling in Moray and the Banffshire Coast and walking along the Moray Firth.

In addition the area is also boosted by a number of popular festivals and events held over the year such as the Speyside Whisky Festival, the Gordon Castle Highland Games,

We enjoy one of the sunniest and driest regions in the United Kingdom Of the Scottish local authority areas, Moray was placed 7th for quality of life.

We’re possibly the only region in the UK where you can ski and surf on the same day.

The Moray Economic Partnership The Moray Economic Partnership members are - Highlands and Islands Enterprise www.hie.com, Moray Council www.moray. gov.uk, Moray College UHI www.moray. uhi.ac.uk, Skills Development Scotland www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk, Moray Chamber of Commerce www. moraychamber.co.uk, Moray Strategic Business Forum, NHS Grampian www. nhsgrampian.co.uk, Highlands and Islands Transportation Partnership (HITRANS), www.hitrans.org.uk, Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) www.cairngorms. co.uk, tsiMORAY www.tsimoray.org.uk and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry www.scdi.org.uk. Moray Councillor John Cowe is chair. The partnership maximises the strengths from its business community, the public sector and the wider Moray community to deliver the main targets for the Moray Economic Strategy namely: grow Moray’s population, attract young people from 16-25 to stay in the region, create jobs and increase average earnings.

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PERTH THE PLACE TO

CONSIDERED BY MANY AS THE GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL HEART OF SCOTLAND, PERTHSHIRE IS AN ENCHANTING REGION, BOASTING A DISTINCTIVE NATURAL BEAUTY AND A WEALTH OF VISITOR ATTRACTIONS. Also known as Big Tree Country, it offers mile upon mile of beautiful countryside to explore.

En route you will pass dramatic castles, enduring monuments of Perthshire’s regal past.

Grand cathedrals also stand resolute on the skyline, among them Dunkeld Cathedral, whose origins go back 1400 years to the time Celtic monks first set up their mission where the River Braan joins the River Tay. And at the heart of it all is the grand city of Perth itself.

Once Scotland’s capital, ‘The Fair City’, with its majestic spires on the banks of the River Tay inspired Sir Walter Scott to write The Fair Maid of Perth, which in turn gave birth to the opera by Georges Bizet. With such a rich and renowned history, Perth has been able to use its solid foundations to launch itself boldly into the future. In fact, today Perth can be considered an incredibly dynamic force for new business. Balancing the carefully preserved characteristics of its historic centre with the unique beauty of its surroundings, it has a projected population growth of 25% by 2030 – one of the fastest growing in Scotland.

The City region also has one of the highest Gross Value Added (GVA) figures per resident, at £43,300 in Scotland This, with an acknowledged higher quality of living in a strategic location at the heart of Scotland’s road and rail networks, means the city is the obvious choice for business relocation and investment. Not that the city is resting on it laurels: there are long-term plans in place to invest even more in infrastructure to

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encourage smart growth. Over the next 15 to 20 years, this will help create a city that encourages business and innovation, yet protects the environment and promotes social cohesion. Such an ambitious programme requires inward investment and Perth is already working hard – and successfully – to make itself an attractive proposition for foreign investors. Indeed, while many cities claim to be ‘a great place to do business’, Perth is happily demonstrating this – for instance by having a five-year business survival rate consistently higher than the Scottish and UK average. Much of this success can be put down to Perth’s enviable ability to combine liveability and a high quality of living with a worldwide reputation for competitiveness.

As in all great business locations, this begins by establishing a foundation of talented and skilled people.

It’s no surprise to learn, then, that 61.5% of local residents are qualified to degree level, compared to the UK average of only 28.5%.

The city is home to the largest campus of the University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI), which is a vibrant epicentre of higher learning for more than 9000 students. Indeed, UHI enjoys a solid reputation for excellence in teaching and niche research strengths – which explains how it is able to attract such a cosmopolitan population of high-calibre first degree and graduate students. Perth is

also within an hour’s drive of seven of the UK’s top research universities and has one of the highest percentages of graduates in the workforce of any Scottish city.

Now factor in that Perth is also one of the UK’s leading cities for digital connectivity, with almost 100% of premises having access to superfast broadband and 89% to ultrafast broadband, and we see the talent and infrastructure is in place for a strong, knowledge-based economy that can harness the ready availability of a skilled workforce.

This without doubt explains the presence of several corporate headquarters in Perth, including energy giant SSE, Aviva, Stagecoach and Highland Spring. With significant strengths in the fast-growing sectors of food and drink, tourism and clean technology, in particular, this also sees Perth primed and ready for significant international investment opportunities, supported by the city council’s tailored “open for business” approach. To help facilitate this, more than £50 million planned investment is to be put in place for cultural and leisure facilities within the next five years.

Around £400 million worth of major investment opportunities will also be available. This will involve new hotels and conference facilities, making Perth the first choice for business visitors. This same vision envisages a core group of blue-chip companies will provide the foundation for Perth’s prosperity, together with fast-growing SMEs – international businesses and leaders in science, technology and creativity.

BE...

Business tourism, in particular, is a priority and has been identified in the Perth City Plan 2016-2035. The region already boasts one of Scotland’s strongest tourism sectors, with approximately two million visitors arriving every year – and 600,000 of those coming to the city itself, generating revenue of more than £400 million. A mixture of established world-class resorts, visitor attractions, outdoor activities and leisure pursuits help drive this year-round tourism.

Thanks to recent and committed investment in facilities, the sector is well placed for further growth – thereby making the area an extremely attractive proposition for investment in new accommodation and leisure-related products. Of course, not all the focus is on the city centre.

The region was recently awarded £3.8 million in EU LEADER funding in order to help support rural communities and small enterprise endeavours. Moreover, as a central location with unrivalled connectivity via excellent road, rail and air links, Perth is a natural hub for business opportunities that can take advantage of the city’s infrastructure yet also reach much further afield. In a business world that can often seem dominated by the huge metropolis, Perth is a pioneer and leader among those attractive and tirelessly enterprising small cities making a name for themselves globally.

Did You Know? A major boost to boost Perth’s mission to attract inward investment is being a member of the Scottish Cities Alliance (SCA). This group works to maximise the contribution of cities to Scotland’s future economic growth by providing digital and transport infrastructure. It also helps identify development opportunities, while securing investment and developing new funding models.

Did You Know? Perth loves its food and drink, with more places to dine out per head

of population than any other Scottish city.

With such a healthy appetite it’s no surprise the region is also one of Scotland’s leading areas for the food and drink industry, with an annual turnover of £310 million and an estimated 130 companies operating in the processing sector.

In fact, food and drink is one of Scotland’s key growth sectors with ambitions to grow from £13.1 billion today to £16.5 billion by 2017.

-Among the facilities already helping to boost the sector in the city is Perth Food and Drink Park. This provides serviced development land and business support facilities, with 25 hectares of serviced development plots.

Services are available on or close to each development plot – such as utilities, telecoms and superfast broadband – while financial incentives for new investment and a fast-track planning service also available.

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Contact Angus Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Angus team for a complete solution to your investment or relocation requirements. We will assist you to find a property that meets all of your business needs.

Land and property Support from experienced investment professionals Information and advice about the availability of grants and funding Assistance with employment Access to a streamlined planning process Marketing and PR support Sector specific business advice In Angus, we have an appetite to assist and Business Angus is here to help.

For more information on available property or development sites contact Fiona McDonald on 01307 473223 or email invest@angus.gov.uk

www.businessangus.com

ANGUS COUNCIL

Orchardbank’s superfast connections are good for business Angus Council has installed wireless superfast broadband at Orchardbank Business Park in Forfar. The move will help ensure that the Orchardbank continues to provide a first-class working environment fit for the 21st Century. The business park, which sits adjacent to the A90 Dundee to Aberdeen road’s Glamis junction at Forfar, has been developed by Angus Council in association with The Muir Group. of competitively priced property and land.

There are excellent transport links, with good road and rail networks, a deep water port, with nearby airports and there is good availability of schemes and grants to assist with relocation, further investment and development.

The installation of dedicated superfast wireless broadband and a service provider for businesses can help everyone based at the park to keep pace with local and global demands and opportunities.

Managed by wireless technology specialists Rapier Systems, the network provides high speed, low latency and low contention business grade wireless internet access across the Orchardbank estate. The highly controllable system provides speeds from 10 Mbps up to 100 Mbps, including the ability to turn on, upgrade or downgrade bandwidth, all within hours not months.

Attractive for development due to its strategic location adjacent to the A90 dual carriageway, Orchardbank gives excellent access from all directions for cars and heavy vehicles. Over 20,000 vehicles per day pass the business park, which is only 15 minutes by car from Dundee and only 45 minutes from Aberdeen offering good access to city areas and their markets. Over 600,000 population lives within a 45 minute drive.

Commercial printers Astute was one of the first companies at the business park to take up the opportunity to benefit from the new internet service. Andrew Price, Director at Astute said, “We require a high speed, reliable broadband connection to provide the high standard of service that our customers demand. The new connection will enable us to meet this demand and help us to continue to grow our business.”

Alison Smith, head of Angus Council’s Business Angus team said, “This innovative project is great news for existing businesses at Orchardbank, who are now able to access high speed broadband and it will also help to encourage other businesses to locate in the park.”

“It’s fantastic to see Orchardbank become one of the leading digitally connected parks in Scotland and yet more proof that Angus is open for business. Our Business Angus team aims to attract investors in Angus,

to grow and strengthen the local economy and deliver a complete solution to business investment needs, through enthusiastic and knowledgeable advisors, in a way which is responsive to the investors’ requirements”, explained Alison.

Angus has a growing, exciting and expanding economy, supported by a skilled, flexible and motivated workforce, an envious quality of life and an excellent selection

It’s fantastic to see Orchardbank become one of the leading digitally connected parks in Scotland and yet more proof that Angus is open for business.

Alison Smith, head of Angus Council’s Business Angus team

Orchardbank benefits from low land prices and serviced sites as extensive infrastructure, roads and service work has been undertaken, including public electric vehicle charging points. In line with the Angus Local Plan the business park is particularly suitable for road side services, hotel accommodation and also for office, commercial and general industrial use (classes 4, 5 and 6).

Currently there are a range of plots available for sale and it is still possible to secure a site with frontage onto the A90. Plots range in size from approximately 0.5 acres and have been efficiently configured to allow maximum flexibility, to ensure that most development size requirements can be met by either combining or splitting plots.

Orchardbank offers an attractive environment for occupiers. It is adjacent to Forfar Loch Country Park within easy reach of the town centre and it has been sympathetically landscaped and includes a cycle and footpath that runs through the business park and connects to the footpath network in the Country Park.

For more information on Orchardbank, the broadband development and further investment opportunities contact Mark McGee of the Business Angus team on 01307 473199 or by email at McGeeM@angus.gov.uk

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“UK Export Finance helped lay the foundations for our global growth” Heather Wells, Group Finance Director of BDP

When an opportunity arose in the Middle East, UK Export Finance worked with BDP’s bank to help them access the finance required. BDP provides expert archictural, design and engineering services to clients all over the world.

To see how UK Export Finance can help you achieve overseas growth, visit:

gov.uk/making-exports-happen

UK Export Finance: helping UK companies access overseas markets Goverment-backed export finance and insurance can help give Scottish companies the confidence to sell overseas. We asked Carol Harve, Export Finance Advisor for Scotland, what the government is doing to make sure no viable export fails due to lack of finance or insurance.

What does UKEF do?

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s export credit agency and a government department.

Our mission is to ensure that no viable UK export fails for want of finance or insurance from the private sector. Making sure the right finance is in place is a critical piece of the jigsaw for any company looking to sell overseas. We are here to provide, when needed, support in the form of specialist guidance, finance and insurance for exporters.

What kind of business can benefit from exporting?

There is a world of opportunity out there for Scottish business of all sizes. Visit the Exporting is GREAT website (https://www. exportingisgreat.gov.uk/) and you will see the demand that is out there.

The number of high-growth businesses in Scotland has grown by 35% since 2009, according to recent figures from the Enterprise Research Centre. Finding more customers outside the UK is the key to growth for many Scottish firms as they look to take advantage of a global market place.

Companies that export are 11% more likely to stay in business. They can achieve levels of growth not possible domestically, spread business risk, achieve economies of scale not achievable in their home market, increase revenues and profits, and extend the commercial lifespan of their products and services.

How can you help SMEs? Helping small and medium-sized businesses export is at the heart of the UK Government’s Exporting is GREAT campaign, which has now received 20,000 applications for export opportunities. Many of these companies might need additional help to finance this activity, beyond what is available from their bank, so UKEF is an integral part of that campaign.

We have a range of support available to meet the needs of SMEs looking to sell overseas.

This might mean access to working capital needed to take on an export contract, support

with raising the bonds required to secure an export contract or addressing political risk or the risk of non-payment. The need for finance and insurance should not be seen as a barrier to exporting. With support from either the private sector or UKEF, companies can increase their capacity for growth.

How do you make a difference?

What sort of support can you give?

In Scotland alone, we have offered shortterm support to over £200 million worth of business since 2012. This doesn’t include the hundreds of millions of pounds of support through longer-term loans, for example, to support Scottish suppliers to the oil and gas industry, which benefits thousands of companies in export supply chains.

UKEF offers guidance and financial solutions designed to help where exporters may need support. For example, you might want to protect your working capital, insure yourself against the risk of non-payment or help secure funding for overseas buyers of UK goods and services.

We have a network of Export Finance Advisers across the country – three of us in Scotland – who are on hand to provide face-to-face guidance and support to companies looking to sell overseas. By facilitating contact between exporters and banks, we can help exporters work out what finance or insurance they need, and where to get it from. This might lead to UKEF providing financial support; alternatively, we might be able to point exporters towards private sector provision.

Over the past five years, we have provided over £17bn worth of support for exports across the UK – helping more than 300 businesses directly, and many thousands more in their supply chains. Without UKEF, these exports may not have happened.

So why not get in touch and realise the opportunities out there for you?

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SCC ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE

Balance of Scottish business opinion continues to favour remaining in EU As 23 June gets closer, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the referendum on the UK’s future membership of the European Union is one of the most important decisions that the public has been asked to make.

European Union: Stay or leave

LEAVE STAY

Whether the result is to remain or to leave, it is likely that it will challenge perceptions of the EU and businesses will need to be prepared for the economic consequences.

Whilst treaties such as Maastricht and Lisbon fundamentally altered the nature of the EU across all member states, the UK’s June referendum will define our bipartite relationship with Europe for the foreseeable future.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce has taken an impartial stance on the question at the heart of the EU referendum - just as we did with the referendum on Scottish independence in 2014 - but that does not mean that we have absented ourselves from the debate. Instead, our approach has been based upon measuring the views of Chamber of Commerce members all across Scotland through a process of research conducted since the referendum was announced following the 2015 General Election.

The core elements of this research were three surveys of business opinion published during September 2015, February 2016 and May 2016. These surveys identified and measured business awareness and opinion on key areas such as the content of the Prime Minister’s renegotiation package with the EU, understanding of the impacts of a remain or leave vote and how business leaders were minded to cast their vote.

When we published each of these surveys, they attracted a great deal of media attention and there was much focus on the issue of voting intentions. These have narrowed over time, with the remain vote having fallen from 73.5% in September to 69% in February to 68% in May. Over the same period, the leave vote has risen from 13.5% to 19% and then to 23%. As we approach the referendum

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68.3% – a majority – of business leaders would vote to stay in the European Union, should the vote take place tomorrow. 22.9% would vote to leave

itself, the gap is therefore narrowing, though those business people who favour the UK remaining in the EU continue to have a clear lead. Across the UK as a hole, the picture is much closer. Since September last year, the remain-leave split has narrowed from 63-27 to 54-37. The figures also show that business in engaging in this crucial debate and indicate that their views are crystallising over time, with around 90% of respondents telling us that they are now vary unlikely to change their mind before the referendum itself.

Within these figures, there are also some interesting trends. Medium and large businesses tend to be more enthusiastic about EU membership than small and micro businesses and, not unexpectedly, businesses which sell goods and services to the EU are more in favour of a remain vote than those that do not. Also, whilst just over a third of businesses expect that the UK’s exit from the EU would have a negative

impact on their overall growth strategy, this has fallen from 40% in February’s survey, whilst the 9.2% who believe that Brexit would have a positive impact on their growth strategy is a slight increase from 8.5% in February.

With the Scottish Parliamentary Elections now decided, the political focus on the EU referendum in Scotland is intensifying and across the UK, there is everything to play for. Our message to both sides of the campaign is clear - they have a duty to explain the consequences to business of the UK remaining in the European Union and the consequences of leaving it. Businesses need to understand what the outcome of this referendum will mean for them to allow them to plan for the future.

For more Economic Intelligence and Business Insight get in touch with Garry Clark on gclark@scottishchambers.org.uk

an you risk not getting on board?

THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION: Can you risk not getting on board?

e you an employer trying to engage with customers across many different digital platforms? e you paying external agencies to help you with your digital campaigns? ould you like these skills in-house?

u answered YES to any of the above questions, you may want to consider taking on a Modern Apprentice, in Creati • Are you an employer trying to engage with customers across many different digital platforms? al Media, Forthexternal Valley College.

• Arefrom you paying agencies to help you with your digital campaigns?

• Would you like these skills in-house?

“Digital savvy employees are a valuable asset plosive growth in digital media and new print and producing video and audio material. It If you answered YEShas to changed any of the you may want to consider taking Apprentice, in Creativewill and any business.

The programme develop t ology over the past few years theabove questions, will also cover essential knowledge such as mediaon a Modern Digital from Forth Valley College.regulations and copyright law. to ensure powerful customer engagement an usinesses acrossMedia, the globe communicate with enhanced customer experiences. Businesse ustomers. All organisations - big and small Those undertaking the course will attend the increase brand awareness, grow their online need to The be able to engage with customers explosive growth in digital media and new print and producing video Stirling and audioCampus material. one It day “Digital savvy employees are a valuable asset for state-of-the-art website traffic, online conversions and more. a rangetechnology of digital over media in has order to the College’s any business.

The programme will develop the skills the platforms past few years changed will also cover essential knowledge such as media per week and will benefit from industry standard e. Employers are also increasingly realising the to ensure powerful customer engagement and way businesses across the globe communicate with regulations and copyright law.

“The Modern Apprenticeship route is also an facilities and studios. The programme will also be enhanced customer experiences. Businesses could their customers.

All organisations - big and small ts of having these abilities in house with digital increasingly popular choice employers.

Those undertaking the course will attend the increase brand awareness, grow their onlinefor presence, now need to be able to engage with customers delivered by a team of highly talented staff with vast skills no longer exclusively required by those College’s state-of-the-art Stirling Campus one day Apprentices have exper website traffic, online conversions and more. across a range of digital media platforms in order to industry experience. ng in media outlets or agencies. per week and will benefit from industry standard survive.

Employers are also increasingly realising the knowledge of your bus “The Modern Apprenticeship route is also an facilities and studios. The programme will also be in mind, benefits of having these abilities in house with digital With this Forth Valley and can bring added va increasingly popular choice for employers.

Thedelivered programme may skilled individuals who can work across by a team of highly talented staff with vast media skills no longer exclusively required by those Apprentices have expert whilst also gaining an in College is encouraging employers nt digital mediainplatforms and who have the be suitable for current industry experience. working media outlets or agencies. knowledge ofstandard your business qualification. edge and expertise to spot new opportunities employees interested in a to this consider advantage With in mind,taking Forth Valley andof can bring added value The programme may Multi-skilled individuals who can work across pidly changing willplatforms be vitaland to the development progression College whilst also gaining industry encouraging “Withanthe growth in dig different industry digital media who have the be suitable fororcurrent theirisnew Modernemployers Apprenticeship standard qualification. s of anyknowledge business in future.to spot new opportunities opportunity would andthe expertise employees who interested in a media expected to con to in consider taking advantage of Creative and Digital Media in a rapidly changing industry will be vital to the development or progression benefit from adding a digital “With the growth in digital the programme offers t their new Modern Apprenticeship his in mind, Forth Valley College encouraging success of any business in theis future. opportunity who would media expected to continue, dimension to their role or it potential for significant in Creative and Digital Media yers to consider taking advantage of their new benefit from adding a digital the programme offers the With this in mind, Forth Valley College is encouraging could on investment.

It’s simply an area that busine also betothe perfect solution for those working their role or it n Apprenticeship Creative andadvantage Digital Media. potential for significant return employers toin consider taking of their new in adimension can’t afford to ignore. ” businesses digital media role who are seeking a formal on investment. It’s simply an area that could also be the perfect solution for those working Modern Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media. week programme has been developed to help can’t afford to ignore.” in a digital media role who are seeking a formal qualification.

The 36the weekpower programme has been developed qualification. esses harness of digital media and to help Would you be interested in taking advant businesses harness the power of digital media and Alternatively if businesses identify the need for a Would you o their advantage. be interested in taking advantage of Alternatively if businesses identify the need for a this opportunity? use it to their advantage. newnew role within organisation, College role withintheir their organisation, the the College will will this opportunity? ontent focused on helping to stand With content focused onbusinesses helping businesses to stand be able Please contact Boyle on: (01324) 40 totohelp suitable candidate.

Please contact Tracey BoyleTracey on: (01324) 403278 be able helpsource source aasuitable candidate. an increasingly competitive and fragmented out in an increasingly competitive and fragmented or email: or tracey.boyle@forthvalley.ac.uk email: tracey.boyle@forthvalley.ac.uk Stark, Development Manager for Business marketplace, the programme will develop ZakZak Stark, Development Manager for Business tplace, the programme will develop a rangea range for further details. for further details.

Developmentat atForth Forth Valley College said:said: of skills including creating online content, Valley College s including creating online content, writingwriting for for Development

© Forth Valley College 2016.

All information was correct at time of publishing, Forth Valley Co © Forth Valley CollegeCM312 2016. but may be subject to change.

©

information correct at time o All information wasAll correct at time ofwas publishing, but may be subject to cha but may be subject to change.

CM312

NEWS

Diversity drives performance Three decades ago 80 per cent of an organisation’s value was based on its physical assets and 20 percent on the intellectual assets. Today that has reversed.

Human capital is fundamental to success.

It has been proven that organisations with diversity embedded in their culture perform better. According to McKinsey, gender diverse companies perform 15 per cent better than average while ethnically diverse companies perform 35 per cent better.

It makes sense, as they are more likely to reflect and therefore understand their customers. Successful inclusion strategies also effectively mean access to an enhanced talent pool.

The logic follows that commercial success is positively influenced by driving diversity – whether that is gender, ethnic, age or disability. Indeed, promoting diversity is now an expected corporate commitment; like workforce safety. However, it seems that often diversity is treated primarily as a compliance matter - a tick-box exercise rather than a core business strategy.

To effect real change, we have to identify relevant metrics and then track them effectively, to get a picture of the culture of an organisation, how it works and how it treats its people.

Shining a spotlight on such things might be difficult, but it is not impossible. Could Companies House not report on diversity characteristics such as the gender of directors rather than just the names? Such a simple change would give a much clearer picture of the situation at board level.

Ultimately it is about ensuring diversity and inclusion practices are encouraged at every level within an organisation and that equality does not diminish with seniority. The pipeline has to be supported.

Both the organisation and the individual have to play their part. The organisation has to provide a positive environment through recruitment techniques and flexible working practices, while the individual has to take responsibility by putting themselves forward – saying ‘yes’ more often and, crucially, by supporting others.

Society is changing: the corporate cultural landscape has to, too. To maximise performance diversity has to be more than a tick box.

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Linda Urquhart OBE WS, Morton Fraser Chairman & Co-Chair of the Fair Work Convention recently chaired a panel event – ‘Leading by Example: Diversity in Business’, which was co-hosted by Morton Fraser & the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries

Ultimately it is about ensuring diversity and inclusion practices are encouraged at every level within an organisation and that equality does not diminish with seniority. The pipeline has to be supported.

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Harnessing a new diaspora with the Spirit of Scotland Malcolm Roughead OBE Chief Executive of VisitScotland

Scotland’s diaspora is often seen as one of the country’s greatest yet most underplayed assets.

Following on from another highly successful Scotland Week it is time to consider again how we can use this global network to boost investment and tourism in our country through new diaspora with extensive networks and influence.

Every year in the USA and Canada thousands of people come together to celebrate Scotland Week.

For the last seven years the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, SDI and many others have been putting on events and working together to create uniquely a Scottish experience for everyone taking part.

With over 50 million people across the world claiming Scottish ancestry Scotland Week is a chance to reconnect some of those people with their heritage. It's also an opportunity for those with an interest in Scotland to find out a little bit more.

Scotland Week and the Global Scots network provide excellent platforms and opportunities for Scotland and Scottish business.

and approaches is unlikely to yield the results we’re looking for.

However we are not alone in having an identifiable diaspora with which we are trying to connect or reconnect. Many countries, particularly whose with emerging economies, are using ever more inventive ways to harness this people power to create ambassadors in business, politics and finance.

VisitScotland’s new approach to marketing and promotion is making excellent use of social media to engage with Scots around the world to promote the very best of Scotland and the inspirational experience that waits for visitors who choose to come to Scotland, whether for leisure or business.

It may be that there is something we can learn from other countries and their approach to diaspora engagement and, in a digital age, the prospect of engaging with this network of supporters and ambassadors has never seemed more promising.

We need to find new ways of engaging the support of this new diaspora, where pride in being a Scot is strong, but where the ties that bind may be different for this new generation than they are for older ones. It is also important that this new diaspora must also include people who have an affinity with Scotland through visiting, studying or doing business here.

One example of a Scot who personifies the new approach we must take is Pete Cashmore, founder of Mashable.

Founded in 2005 in Aberdeen and now headquartered in New York City, this digital media website is described as a "one stop shop" for social media. As of November 2015, it has over 6,000,000 Twitter followers and over 3,200,000 fans on Facebook.

Reaching out to this new generation of diaspora through traditional communications

Social media has to be one of our best tools for reaching and engaging with our diaspora.

By engaging more than 100,000 people through #ScotSpirit, the social media element of our new global campaign The Spirit of Scotland, VisitScotland took Scotland to the world in a way not seen before, encouraging people from around the world to post digital content that shows their Scots Spirit.

We’ll be building on this with a community platform linked to our consumer site VisitScotland.com, which will create opportunities for more people - Scots and visitors alike - to share their experiences of our country exchanging knowledge in a way not possible before.

This work will be a key strand in a strategy to encourage members of the new diaspora to support Scotland in a way that allows them to take pride in their country and promote it through their phones, tablets and laptops to millions of people in an instant.

Official Scottish Chambers of Commerce Business Partner

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SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Have you discovered fuel cards yet?

Scottish Chambers’ members are all different, but all need to watch costs. It would make life easier if you could always refuel cheaply but delay payment, enjoying interestfree credit. The Fuelcard People can help.

They can find the perfect fuel card for you, valid nationwide, typically at thousands of sites. Every Friday, you are sent your fixed national price for the coming week – normally up to 5p per litre below national average pump prices, or as much as 10p per litre below motorway prices.

A driver needing fuel finds the nearest site using a smartphone app, refuels, then presents the fuel card. It is that simple.

One weekly invoice covers all of your

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vehicles, paid automatically by direct debit.

The interval before payment means up to a fortnight of free credit. You have 24/7 internet access to account information, can download customised reports and have a dedicated account manager to answer queries. Always dealing with the same person, who knows you, means faster and better answers.

Apart from the fuel cost reductions, reduced administration brings indirect savings: one invoice replaces piles of receipts. You gain closer control of fuel expenditure and better security. Your fuel card, only valid for authorised purchases and restricted to the driver or the vehicle, is useless to a thief.

Reclaiming your VAT is simple.

The Fuelcard People’s comprehensive range covers the whole market, so it can advise you with complete impartiality. Start cutting your fuel costs now: call 0844 804 0325 or go to www.discountfuelcards.co.uk

Reduced annual card charges for all partner association members Discount diesel and petrol Up to 5p a litre off pump prices Savings of up to 10p per litre at motorway pumps Interest-free credit Reduce your administration Single invoice for easy VAT reclaim No cash involved – just controlled card purchases Chip and pin facility on most cards

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

North-south business connectivity at all time high as Edinburgh air link claims top spot at London City Airport

FlyBe began operating flights between Edinburgh and LCY in 2014

By Declan Collier

Chief Executive Officer at London City Airport

Enter London City Airport terminal today and you’ll soon hear a frequent flyer with a Scottish accent.

For over 20 years London City Airport has served cities north of the border, beginning with Edinburgh in 1996 and later Glasgow and Aberdeen - providing a fast and convenient link between central London and the business hubs of Scotland.

Members of the Scottish Chamber of Commerce will agree that one of the reasons why both Scotland and London are such attractive places to do business is their connectivity. Today London City Airport provides a regular timetable of flights, operated by FlyBe and British Airways, to and from the only airport actually in London - within a short ride of Westminster, the City

of London and Canary Wharf. It means you can get from a board room overlooking the Scott Monument to a meeting by the dome of St Pauls in just over 3 hours.

The popularity of these routes is growing and business travellers are voting with their feet. In 2015, a record-breaking year for London City, Edinburgh was number 1 out of nearly 50 domestic and international destinations served by the airport. A total of 531,358 passengers made the trip to or from Scotland’s capital city - accounting for 12% of the 4.3 million passengers who used the airport.

residents in Scotland. But it’s a two-way street - our links help facilitate trade and inward investment to Scotland. Only with good transport infrastructure can this connectivity be possible.

The expansion plans that the airport has set out in the City Airport Development Programme (CADP), which include proposals for seven new aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway and terminal extensions to the west and to the east, would help our Scottish routes continue to flourish and open up the prospect of further new routes.

A remarkable year for Edinburgh was closely followed by the Glasgow route, which welcomed 237,799 passengers and retained the 6th most popular route for the second year in a row. 2016 also looks buoyant, with monthly figures putting Edinburgh in the top spot for both February and March.

York Aviation estimates suggest that under the proposed expansion plans, by 2025, London City Airport could welcome in the order of 650,000 passengers on Edinburgh routes and 440,000 on Glasgow routes – that’s a 22% and 85% increase, respectively – enabling a significant boost to Scottish trade and exports.

These passenger numbers only tell part of the story. We know that the majority of our travellers that use Anglo-Scottish air links work in financial, business and government services – the pillars of the Scottish economy – with more than half of the Edinburgh and Glasgow passengers

A final decision on London City’s expansion by the UK Government is estimated this autumn. No matter what the outcome, we’ll continue to welcome Scotland’s business community through our doors in order to build the strong economic links that benefit both sides of the border.

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SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

CalMac backing brings national science workshops to remote areas for the first time

Picture courtesy of Edinburgh International Science Festival

Primary school children across some of Scotland’s remotest west coast areas are benefiting from a touring science education programme for the first time.

anniversary year,” said Generation Science manager, Joan Davidson. “Thanks to the support of our funders like Caledonian MacBrayne, over the summer term we will be able to visit schools all over Scotland, educating and exciting pupils by the wonder of not only science but it’s real world application in young learners’ lives.”

The operator of the UK’s largest ferry network, Caledonian MacBrayne is the proud sole backer of a series of Generation Science workshops being delivered to young Einsteins on the Small Isles, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree and Gigha.

Generation Science is the largest school science touring programme in the UK and has activities for all ages, from infant classes right up to upper primary. This year the tour will visit over 600 schools in 31 Local Authority areas from the Borders to the Shetland Isles.

In addition, children in the remote mainland settlements of Lochaline on the Morvern Peninsula and Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula – both of which have ferry connections with the Isle of Mull – will also enjoy the scientific workshops.

Run by Edinburgh International Science Festival, Generation Science, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2016, is the festival’s educational outreach programme which tours throughout Scotland each year.

“Science and engineering learning is a top priority across the country,” said CalMac’s Managing Director Martin Dorchester.

“CalMac is an innovative forward-looking company which requires highly-skilled technical staff to maintain its lifeline services and what better way to nurture this thirst for scientific knowledge than to help our young people.

“The Generation Science programme brings fun and collaboration to the engineers,

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Photo credit: by Nick Adamson

scientists, teachers and innovators of the future. Many schools throughout our network have been visited by Generation Science over the years. But, despite the best efforts of organisers, none of the ones we are supporting this year ever had.

“When we heard we were determined to finally allow the budding scientists in these communities to get on board with their counterparts across other areas of the west coast, which is something we’re proud of. It is very much part of our ethos as a responsible business.”

All the schools involved are small and remote – in the case of the Small Isles workshops, Generation Science will bring children from other islands together, as excited pupils from both Rum and Eigg will venture to the Isle of Muck for the day, meeting up with new children and revelling in an unusual school day.

“We are delighted to be touring to some of the remotest islands in Scotland in our 25th

CalMac is an innovative forwardlooking company which requires highly-skilled technical staff to maintain its lifeline services and what better way to nurture this thirst for scientific knowledge than to help our young people.

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Official fuel consumption for the Jaguar XF range in mpg (l/100km): Urban: 24.1-58.9 (11.7-4.8); Extra Urban 44.8-78.5 (6.3-3.6); Combined 34.0-70.6 (8.3-4.0). CO2 Emissions 198-104 (g/km). Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only.

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Must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Excess mileage charges (at 9.5p per mile). The promotion cannot be used together with other manufacturer’s promotion and is subject to availability at participating Retailers only for new vehicles ordered by 30th June 2016. Provided by Jaguar Contract Hire a trading style of Lex Autolease Limited, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport, SK3 0RB. Vehicle shown is an XF Diesel Saloon 2.0D 163PS Prestige 4dr 16 with optional Rhodium Silver paint priced at £690.00, on the road price £32,990.

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Iconic Scottish engineering firm continues to expand When Clyde Blowers Capital (CBC) acquired Parsons Peebles Group (PPG) in 2013, the Scottish-based company had undergone a long period of decline from its peak. The oncethriving Scottish engineering company, with a heritage of electric motor and generator production going back over 100 years, had fallen to only 41 employees on their books by the time of CBC’s takeover.

The company has undergone a remarkable transformation and can now boast of having 340 employees across the group.

Undoubtedly, a number of key acquisitions have led to rapid growth under the guidance of CBC. In 2014, PPG acquired Preformed Windings a specialist coil manufacturer with 45 years’ experience in delivering high quality coils for traction motors, high voltage motors and generators. There followed an acquisition in 2015 of Anstee and Ware, leading providers of motor, pump and gearbox repair, maintenance, reconditioning and field services to the water, rail and industrial sectors in England and Wales.

Furthermore, this month, PPG announced the acquisition of the Reading headquartered, Taylor & Goodman Ltd, a fast growing provider of electromechanical services predominantly to the water sector with three UK facilities, which truly places PPG as a leading UK electromechanical services provider.

The acquisition, which was finalised on 31st March, provides PPG with expanded product and service capabilities and a network of UK locations which now totals 13 in the UK, and demonstrates their intent to become the no.1 UK supplier of electromechanical services.

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The acquisitions have made PPG a bigger and more robust Scottish Engineering business and put it on a current path of growth. PPG is uniquely positioned in the market in its ability to offer service agility with OEM credibility. It serves original equipment manufacturers, independent service providers and end users across

the oil & gas, water, marine, power and industrial end-markets, and is well positioned with a balance of recurring original equipment and aftermarket revenues.

There is unquestionably an air of optimism surrounding the historical Rosyth-based company following a successful period of growth. Jim McColl, CEO of Clyde Blowers Capital commented, “We have transformed the size and scale of Parsons Peebles since our original acquisition in January 2013 through acquisition and organic growth.

Today PPG has a strong service and new equipment offering in the oil and gas, water and power and industrial markets.

Looking ahead, we continue to search for opportunities to expand this famous and iconic Scottish engineering firm.”

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Official Fuel Economy Figures for the BMW Range: Urban 13.8-62.4mpg (20.5-4.4l/100km). Extra Urban 26.283.1mpg (10.8-3.4l/100km). Combined 20.3-70.8mpg (13.9-3.8l/100km). CO2 Emissions 325-0g/km.

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*Business users only. Plus £1,423.44 initial rental. Price shown excludes VAT at 20% and is for a 24 month Business Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 520d M Sport Saloon with a contract mileage of 16,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 21.8p per mile. Applies to new vehicles ordered between 01/04/16 and 30/06/16 and registered by 30/09/16 (subject to availability). At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. Available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Douglas Park Limited is an Appointed Representative of Park’s of Hamilton (Holdings) Limited, FRN 308476 of 14 Bothwell Road, Hamilton, ML3 0AY, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Park’s of Hamilton (Holdings) Limited permitted business is Insurance Mediation and to act as a Credit Broker. We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers including BMW Financial Services to assist with your purchase, who may remunerate us for introducing you to them.

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SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Ambitious plans unveiled by Virgin Trains Virgin Trains has unveiled ambitious plans to make rail the mode of choice for customers travelling between Edinburgh and London – the UK’s busiest domestic air route.

Hearts owner Ann Budge opened the newly refurbished First Class Lounge in Edinburgh Waverley – one of eight across the network to be given the Virgin Treatment, including King’s Cross. In May it launched an additional 42 direct services per week between Edinburgh and London, giving a half-hourly frequency throughout most of the day. And by the end of the decade it plans to cut Edinburgh-London journeys to just four hours after introducing its fleet of new Azuma trains.

David Horne, Virgin Trains’ managing director on the east coast route, said rail would “no longer play second fiddle” to air.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge as no-one has done this before – but we like to shake things up at Virgin.

Richard Branson at launch

Around a third of passengers travelling between the capitals currently choose train over plane but Virgin reckons it can steal a 50% market share by the end of its east coast franchise in 2023.

The operator has embarked on a £140m investment programme since taking over the route in March last year and recently unveiled refurbished train interiors, new onboard menus and a fresh new look for its people and trains.

Last December it launched an additional direct Stirling-London service and in April

“We’ve begun a transformation which will start this shift: a half hourly service between London and Edinburgh launching in May, new interiors for our existing fleet including new seats, carpets and mood-lighting, and new first class lounges along the route.

“Academic literature has for a long time talked about a three-hour tipping point at which you get a big shift from rail to air. But we think there’s a really big tipping point at four hours where rail becomes the default option for a much bigger proportion of customers. Our new Azuma trains, arriving in 2018, will make the 4hr journey the norm rather than the exception.”

Mr Horne said there had been a “generational shift” in favour of rail, with younger people, particularly those living in cities, less likely to own a car and more likely

to care about the environmental impact of their travel. “They also set a premium on the quality of their journey, with the ease of boarding and the onboard experience being key factors in influencing their choice of travel mode. All this plays in favour of rail,” he added.

Virgin Trains has got form in taking on airlines: since introducing a new west coast timetable in 2008, it has more or less eliminated the domestic air market between Manchester and London and trebled Glasgow-London rail journeys.

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CHAMBERCONNECTIONS

CHAMBER CONTACTS

Scottish Chambers of Commerce 30 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1EQ T: 0141 204 8316 F: 0141 204 8371 E: admin@scottishchambers.org.uk Chair - Nora Senior Chief Executive - Liz Cameron OBE

Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce The Hub, Exploration Drive Aberdeen Energy Park, Bridge of Don Aberdeen, AB23 8GX T: 01224 343900 E: info@agcc.co.uk www.agcc.co.uk Chief Executive - Russell Borthwick President - Edel Harris Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry The Mezzanine, Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick, KA9 2PL T: 01292 678 666 F: 01292 678 667 E: enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org www.ayrshire-chamber.org Chief Executive - Val Russell President - Stuart Cresswell Cairngorms Business Partnership Ltd Inverdruie House, Inverdruie Aviemore, PH22 1QH T: 01479 780539 E: office@visitcairngorms.com www.visitcairngorms.com Chief Executive - Mark Tate President - Steve Oliver Caithness Chamber of Commerce Naver Business Centre Naver House, Naver Road Thurso, KW14 7QA T: 01847 890076 E: info@caithnesschamber.com www.caithnesschamber.com Chief Executive - Trudy Morris Chairman - Stephen Sutherland

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Hillhead House, The Crichton, Bankend Road Dumfries, DG1 4UQ T: 01387 270866 E: admin@dgchamber.co.uk www.dgchamber.co.uk Chief Executive – Brian Richardson President- Brian Rennie Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce Whitecrook Business Centre 78 Whitecrook Street, Clydebank, G81 1QF T: 0141 280 0272 E: admin@dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk www.dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk President - Stewart Rennie Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce Unit 27, City Quay, Camperdown Street Dundee, DD1 3JA T: 01382 228545 F: 01382 228441 E: info@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk www.dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk Chief Executive - Alison Henderson President - Colin Loveday East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Barrhead Foundry Main Street, Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, G78 1SW T: 0141 887 6181 E: info@eastrenchamber.org.uk www.eastrenchamber.org.uk President: John F Hamilton Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 40 George Street, 2nd floor Edinburgh, EH2 2LE T: 0131 221 2999 F: 0131 261 5056 E: membershipadmin@edinburghchamber.co.uk www.edinburghchamber.co.uk Acting Chief Executive: Liz McAreavey President - Scott Black

Fife Chamber of Commerce Evans Business Centre, 1 Begg Road John Smith Business Park Kirkcaldy, KY2 6HD T: 01592 647740 E: info@fifechamber.co.uk www.fifechamber.co.uk CEO: Alan Mitchell President: Peter Southcott Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Group (incorporating Stirling Chamber of Commerce) Suite 2, Scion House Stirling University Innovation Park Stirling, FK9 4NF T: 01324 665 500 E: info@forthvalleychamber.co.uk www.forthvalleychamber.com www.stirlingchamber.co.uk Acting Chief Executive – Michelle McKearnon Chairman – George Stevenson Glasgow Chamber of Commerce 30 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1EQ T: 0141 204 2121 E: chamber@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com Chief Executive Stuart Patrick President - Neil Amner Greenock Chamber of Commerce Room 5, Victoria House, 5 East Blackhall Street, Greenock PA15 1HD T: 01475 806824 M: 07939 272787 E: chiefexecutive@greenockchamber.co.uk www.greenockchamber.co.uk Greenock Chamber of Chief Executive - Helen McCormick Commerce President - Steven Watson

CHAMBER CONTACTS

Inverness Chamber of Commerce Metropolitan House 31-33 High Street, Inverness, IV1 1HT T: 01463 718 131 E: info@inverness-chamber.co.uk www.inverness-chamber.co.uk Chief Executive - Stewart Nicol President - Ross Thomson Lochaber Chamber of Commerce Station Square, Fort William Inverness-shire, PH33 6EN T: 01397 705 765 E: membership@lochaberchamber.co.uk www.lochaberchamber.co.uk Chairman - Bruno Berardelli Chief Executive - Lesley Benfield Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Moulsdale House, Edinburgh College 24d Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 2PP T: 0131 603 5043 E: dita@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk www.melcc.org.uk Executive Director George Archibald President - Kim Barbour Moray Chamber of Commerce Suite 7, Elgin Business Centre Maisondieu Road, Elgin, IV30 1QP T: 01343 543344 E: info@moraychamber.co.uk www.moraychamber.co.uk Chief Executive - Sarah Medcraf Executive Director Margery A McLennan President Alistair Simpson

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Saltire House, 3 Whitefriars Crescent Perth, PH2 0PA T: 01738 450 401 F: 01738 450 402 E: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk www.perthshirechamber.co.uk Chief Executive - Vicki Unite President - Mike McDairmid

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Scottish Chambers of Commerce 30 George Square Glasgow G2 1EQ T: 0141 204 8316 F: 0141 204 8371 E: admin@scottishchambers.org.uk www.scottishchambers.org.uk @ScotChambers Like us on Facebook

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Bute Court, St Andrews Drive Glasgow Airport Paisley, PA3 2SW T: 0141 847 5450 F: 0141 847 5499 E: info@renfrewshirechamber.com www.renfrewshirechamber.com CEO: Bob Grant President â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Audrey Cumberford

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Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce Academy House, Shedden Park Road Kelso, TD5 7AL T: 07771 865 758 E: communications@borderschamber.com www.borderschamber.com Convenor - Jack Clark Vice Convenor - Bruce Simpson West Lothian Chamber of Commerce Alba Centre, Alba Business Park Rosebank, Livingston, EH54 7EG T: 01506 414808 E: chamber@wlchamber.com www.wlchamber.com Chief Executive Linda Scott President Billy MacLeod

Advertising John Neilson Commercial Director Telephone 07813 874970 john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk This publication is also available as an ebook at: www.issuu.com/distinctivepublishing

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Distinctive Publishing or Scottish Chambers of Commerce 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 Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

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SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Training fund targets sustainable energy skills across sectors

how this fund could be used to boost their bottom line.”

Businesses can apply online for funding, which can cover a maximum of 50 per cent of training costs.

Developing expertise

Support for small businesses to boost their skills in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable technologies and carbon reduction is now available thanks to an innovative training fund.

The Low Carbon Skills Fund gives firms with fewer than 100 employees the chance

The fund isn’t just available to firms in areas such as energy and construction. Employers in all sectors have the chance to identify training that will benefit their business and gain funding.

to access funding of up to £5000 towards training costs.

Administered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the funding can be used for training in a wide range of areas including renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, energy efficiency, waste management and re-use, and reducing carbon in supply and energy management.

The fund is open to businesses across all sectors of the economy.

Important opportunity Gordon Cunningham, Low Carbon Skills Executive at SDS, said: “The Low Carbon Skills Fund is an important opportunity for small businesses to gain new skills that could improve efficiency, productivity or innovation.

“It can be used in a number of ways from developing skills for offering new products and services to clients to identifying ways of reducing energy use in your business.

“The fund isn’t just available to firms in areas such as energy and construction.

Employers in all sectors have the chance to identify training that will benefit their business and gain funding.”

“A wide range of firms have already benefited from the support available and I’d urge small businesses of any type to think

Business Scotland

90

Among firms to have made use of the fund is Glasgow-based John Gilbert Architects, who received support to train staff in Passivhaus Design, a German energy standard that can substantially reduce heating costs.

Director Matt Bridgestock said: “The training that we’ve undertaken has been as designers, learning either to use the software or the techniques needed to get our buildings up to the Passivhaus standard.

“One project we are working on is currently the largest Passivhaus project in Scotland, with 10 houses being built.

“That has come about since this training.

We’ve also done research on retrofitting tenements to Passivhaus standard, and seminars on the standard for social landlords.

“It’s certainly an area we’re looking to develop in. It’s good for business to have expertise in this specialism.”

To find out more or apply for funding, visit www.ourskillsforce.co.uk/funding-andsupport/low-carbon-skills-fund

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24/05/2016 15:28

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