Business Scotland 6

BusinessScotland Scottish Chambers of Commerce Magazine

AUTUMN 2016

The verdict on Brexit Connecting & Growing with Business Mentoring Chamber Network develops future talent

Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Reaching a positive destination

My place to be: sofa 22H.

Premium Economy Class is available on the long-haul fleet

The new Premium Economy Class: for those who want more

BusinessScotland

CONTENTS

AUTUMN 2016

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24 10 24

THE VERDICT ON BREXIT CONNECTING & GROWING WITH BUSINESS MENTORING

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SCOTLAND: A GLOBAL BRAND WITH ADDED SPIRIT

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LONDON CITY AIRPORT EXPANSION

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34 58 73

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REACHING A POSITIVE DESTINATION: NEWLANDS JUNIOR COLLEGE TOP SCOT RECOGNISED IN PR WEEK UK 30 UNDER 30 BUSINESS RATES: WILL LIGHTNING STRIKE TWICE? ADAM MARSHALL: CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE: BUSINESS OF PURPOSE

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Business Partners

98 98 108 112

JOBS ROADSHOW BRINGS EMPLOYERS FACE TO FACE WITH YOUTH TALENT HISTORIC NAME CHANGE FOR GREENOCK CHAMBER YOUR CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

Launch your IP protection!

If you’re one of Scotland’s hundreds of innovative companies, you understand the value of intellectual property (IP). So you know the importance of having it properly protected.

A thorough IP audit is a good place to start. It not only makes sure you have all the protection you need in place, it also helps with planning for future development, product and service development and — crucially — attracting investment.

The Intellectual Property Office is currently offering up to £2,600 towards the £3,000 cost of an IP audit. The funding is being delivered in Scotland, subject to assessment, through Scottish Enterprise (SE) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

To find out if your business meets the criteria for financial help, speak to your nominated contact at SE or HIE or log on to www.scottish-enterprise.com/intellectualassets

As one of Europe’s leading IP attorney firms, we believe in making innovation easier, right from the start. So when it comes to taking that first step, no-one supports you better than Murgitroyd.

Create value from your IP. Call Keith Jones / Laurence Cheney on +44 (0)141 307 8400 or email sme-group@murgitroyd.com

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FOREWORD

Business has to go on In the last edition of the Business Scotland magazine, we profiled the Scottish business opinion on the European Union Referendum. SCC remained neutral, taking on a role of informing and educating, and since then, the outcome led to a Leave vote. For us, as Scotland’s largest business membership network, business has to go on.

Nora Senior

Chair, Scottish Chambers of Commerce Executive Chair of UK Regions & Ireland, Weber Shandwick Since 24th June, the Chamber Network has met with its members to better understand the issues and identify opportunities and we have profiled these areas to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Keith Brown and Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell MP, championing the need for business and government to collaborate to ensure the best outcome for Scottish businesses.

One of the first major opportunities to signal a clear intent will be the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget, expected in the autumn. Delivering a ‘Brexit Budget’ will not be easy but with extensive powers over the likes of Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Scottish Development International, as well as growing control over business and personal

taxes, the Scottish Government is well placed to take the lead in sending out a clear message that Scotland is supporting its businesses to succeed and to take advantage of the trading opportunities that will emerge in the post-Brexit world.

Despite Scotland’s recent below par growth, I remain optimistic for the future success of Scotland’s businesses. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce network is already developing closer links with sister Chambers in countries the world over.

With the right support from the Scottish and UK Governments, we can rise to the opportunities ahead and emerge stronger, with more of our businesses trading internationally and creating jobs.

In a period of uncertainty, with Brexit still ahead, making sure that businesses can recruit talented and work-ready young people here in Scotland is critical.

edition profiles the early successes of the Developing Young Workforce panels, showcasing positive feedback from employers and young people who are energised to take on the business opportunities of the future. These are values shared by many private sector employers across the country and we are seeing innovative approaches to addressing youth unemployment by business leaders including Jim McColl, Founder & CEO of Clyde Blowers Capital, through the establishment of Newlands Junior College.

This remarkable effort has already delivered outstanding results by combining academic, vocational and personal development qualifications and fostering a supportive and entrepreneurial environment.

Thank you for picking up our magazine and I hope you take a dose of business inspiration from this edition of Business Scotland.

So is having the right incentives to commit to further training for those more established in the workplace and this is an area SCC will continue to focus on.

I have always been a strong supporter of bridging the gap between business & education and I am proud that this

@NoraSenior1

Contributors Liz Cameron OBE

Keith Brown MSP

Josh Graff

Lord Andrew Dunlop

Jim McColl

Stewart Wingate

Richard Boxshall

Adam Marshall

John Holland-Kaye

Chief Executive, SCC

UK Government

Senior Economist, PwC

Scottish Government

Founder & CEO, Clyde Blowers Capital

British Chambers of Commerce

LinkedIn

CEO, Gatwick Airport

CEO, Heathrow Airport

Business Scotland

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FIRST OF DECEMBER TWO THOUSAND and SIXTEEN

A N N UA L BUS I N E SS ADDRESS Hilton Hotel | 1 William Street | Glasgow | G3 8HT

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Book your table now!

0141 204 8316

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events@scottishchambers.org.uK

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Scottishchambers.org.uK

CHAMBER NEWS

Highlights from our 2015 Annual Business Address

Nora Senior delivers Business Speech

Deputy First Minister John Swinney

Nicola Sturgeon with Ahmet Sari, Turkish Airlines

Nando’s founder Robert Brozin delivers Keynote Speech

Robert Brozin gifts First Minister with preventative pyjamas against Malaria

Jackie Bailie MSP enjoying the evening

Local band Dogtooth play the evening out

join us on 1st December 2016 to celebrate the ambition and entrepreneurial spirit of the Scottish Business community. Book Your Table today.

Business Scotland

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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.

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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.

FOCUS ON LEGAL – WJM LLP

Exploding the Myths About Litigation Not been paid? Having difficulty with a supplier who has failed to honour a contract? If a dispute can’t be settled by any other means, going to court can be a lot more straightforward than you think. Iain Crosbie from Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie explodes some of the common myths about litigation.

Litigation is expensive The cost of litigating in Scotland is considerably less than in England. The court dues for raising a court action are £96 in Scotland, regardless of the value of the claim. Legal fees are also recoverable.

Typically, a successful litigant will recover 60% - 80% of their legal costs, meaning even relatively low value claims can be economically pursued.

There was nothing in writing so I can’t sue In business, informal agreements are common. But a contract made verbally, or by an exchange of emails, is binding. This is particularly so if you have provided the goods or services that were agreed upon – even if there was no agreement on price, a court will normally infer a reasonable price for the goods or services.

My customer is in England – I will have to pursue them there Where there is a contract, a party can be sued in the place where the contract was to be fulfilled.

So if your customer agreed to make payment to you in Scotland, the Scottish courts have

302 St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5RZ Tel: 0141 248 3434 Fax: 0141 221 1226

jurisdiction. If a supplier was to provide you with goods or services in Scotland, but has failed to do so, you can raise a court claim here.

This rule will apply unless there has been an agreement that the courts in a particular place have jurisdiction. However, if your terms of business say that the contract is subject to Scots law and the jurisdiction of the Scottish courts, then you will always be able to enforce your contract in Scotland.

A Scottish court judgment can be easily enforced in England by a simple process of registration with the English courts.

The other side will go out of business so it’s not worthwhile In this circumstance, act quickly! If a court is satisfied that you have an arguable case, and that the other side may go out of business (or that they may try to hide their assets) the court can grant an interim order allowing funds or assets to be ring-fenced pending the outcome of the case.

It happened too long ago Most court claims in Scotland do not become

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

time-barred for five years. As long as your claim is less than five years’ old, you can bring a court action.

The other side has all the papers, so there is nothing I can do Scots law allows a stand-alone action to be raised for recovery of documents, as long as the court is satisfied a court case is likely to be brought. The courts also have extensive powers to order disclosure of documents during litigation. If you are considering a claim, but someone else has the evidence you need, then the court is on your side!

WJM is a full service independent Scottish law firm. For more information please visit www.wjm.co.uk or to discuss your requirements please get in touch.

Iain Crosbie specialises in commercial disputes, employment law, debt recovery, commercial contracts, and property dispute resolution matters at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP.

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

Business Scotland

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CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber Network taps into its Global Connectivity Liz Cameron OBE

Director/Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce Over the summer, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network carried out a major survey of business opinion in Scotland and this has revealed the support that businesses are looking for in the wake of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

The Scottish economy was faltering even before June’s EU referendum and the result has sparked another period of uncertainty. Businesses, however, are clear in terms of the support they need and the expectations they have of the Scottish and UK Governments at this time. This support is required in order to address Scotland’s underlying economic needs and is consistent with the views expressed by the business community over recent years.

A reduction in business rates was the most commonly requested tax measure, whilst businesses wanted Government investment to focus strongly on vocational skills and

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infrastructure. Businesses were more evenly divided in terms of their priorities for the forthcoming negotiations to leave the EU but maintaining free trade with the EU single market came out strongly.

Cutting business rates would deliver a clear boost to a wide spectrum of businesses, reducing business costs and freeing up resources to invest for future growth. This is an area where the Scottish Government has the powers to deliver for Scottish business and with a rates revaluation coming up in just seven months, the timing could be perfect to provide a boost to Scotland’s businesses. The UK Government can also play a part by targeting reductions in VAT, which is a particular priority from Scotland’s tourism sector, and by continuing the recent downward trend of Corporation Tax rates.

Businesses have also indicated the priority areas where they believe Government investment needs to take place. Investment in vocational training and in colleges is a strong demand from businesses alongside investment in roads and other infrastructure that will deliver long term economic benefit such as digital connectivity and housing. All Government

spending should have a clearly defined economic objective.

Businesses have a much more diverse range of priorities in terms of the what they are seeking from the negotiations to decide the UK’s future relationship with the EU. High on the list of priorities is continued tariff-free access to the EU single market, but businesses are also looking for clear guidance on how current EU legislation implemented in the UK will apply once the UK leaves the EU. For more than one in six businesses, the continued free movement of people between the EU and the UK is a key priority and as a start, we are calling for the UK Government to unilaterally guarantee the rights of EU citizens already in the UK to remain here, contributing to our economy.

These may be unprecedented times but businesses expect the Scottish and UK Governments to deliver. They each have the powers to do so and must act now to enable businesses to invest and grow.

CHAMBER NEWS

What does Brexit mean for the UK and Europe?

Richard Boxshall

Senior Economist, PwC

The UK’s vote to leave the EU shocked currency and stock markets, and has led to an environment of economic and political uncertainty.

Against this backdrop, we have revised our main scenario projections for UK real GDP growth to 1.6% and 0.6% in 2016 and 2017 respectively, down from 1.9% and 2.3%.

Our projections assume that the Bank of England will loosen monetary policy over the summer alongside fiscal policy that is supportive of growth.

At present, the question on many people’s lips is what will the UK’s future relationship with Europe look like? The main exit options discussed are membership of the European Economic Area (EEA); some form of bilateral free trade agreement with the EU; or trading under World Trade Organization (WTO) terms. The implications for the UK and EU economies will largely depend on which, if indeed any, of these scenarios comes to fruition.

The UK’s vote to leave the EU has put London’s position as a leading international financial centre under the spotlight. Our financial services attractiveness indicator shows that London currently ranks top of the European list, but an important factor that contributes to its success is access to the Single Market via passporting for financial services. The loss of passporting could see London lose its title as the EU’s most attractive financial centre, falling into second place behind Dublin.

That being said, London’s position as an international financial centre is not by any means purely dependent on EU passporting. Other factors such as access to skills and a strong and stable legal system should see it remain as a leading global financial hub in the years ahead.

But the potential loss of EU market access poses a challenge for many financial services firms. Business leaders based in London should focus their efforts on lobbying the UK Government and EU politicians to retain as much EU access as possible, including retaining EU passporting rights.

From a trade perspective, EEA membership would see the UK retain full access to the Single Market. A free trade agreement could involve more limited access to the Single Market, but would at least reduce many trading barriers such as

tariffs on goods. A WTO-type scenario would see trade barriers imposed, which would impact the UK and, in particular, economies that do a lot of trade with the UK such as Ireland. Businesses need to put the case to governments to make early progress in putting such trade deals in place in a way that is mutually beneficial to businesses in both the UK and other EU countries. But, in the interim, they need to make contingency plans for a range of different outcomes.

From a trade perspective, EEA membership would see the UK retain full access to the Single Market. A free trade agreement could involve more limited access to the Single Market, but would at least reduce many trading barriers such as tariffs on goods.

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CHAMBER NEWS

The United Kingdom is very much open for business It’s been quite a frenetic few weeks in politics, to say the least. But we now have a new Prime Minister, a new Government and the message is absolutely clear – the United Kingdom is very much open for business.

Lord Andrew Dunlop Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, UK Government

While the result of the EU referendum was not the one I campaigned for, Britain has made its decision. Brexit means Brexit – and we’re going to make a success of it.

As we approach the negotiations on Britain’s exit from the EU, trade and commerce will be central to those discussion. In Scotland, exports are a vital part of the country’s economy - in 2014 they were worth £76 billion. While 11 per cent of those went to the EU, 64 per cent went to the rest of the UK. This is precisely why it is so important that Scotland’s two governments work together as ‘Team UK’, to make sure that Scotland’s interests are represented at every stage of the negotiations.

We are determined that the UK will continue to be an outward looking, global facing nation, and that we will build on and

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strengthen our links with our friends and partners across the world.

Take the United States for example; in June the Secretary of State travelled to Texas to meet leaders of America’s oil and gas industry, hearing about the challenges that they face there and the innovative ways in which they are solving them. He pressed the case for investing in Scotland, and in the world leading oil and gas sector that we have here.

Take also the Prime Minister’s decision to establish a department for international trade, a department which will take the ‘UK is open for business’ message right across the globe. It will be building partnerships and flying the flag for the incredible goods and services that Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England have to offer.

Britain may be leaving the EU, but we are not withdrawing from Europe or the wider world.

The UK Government has an extensive network of influence overseas. This is a tremendous asset and I am determined that Scotland should get the full benefit of the UK’s embassies and high commissions,

and the UKTI network, as they bang the drum for Scotland and the UK on the global stage.

The UK Government is determined too, that while we look to the rest of the world, we are also a strong and united country, that works for everyone. That is why we are committed to making sure that we speak to as many businesses as possible across Scotland, hearing about their priorities and concerns, and setting out the path forward calmly and collaboratively.

We are entering into new territory, which must be navigated with care, but I guarantee that the UK Government will do everything it can to work with the Scottish Government with common purpose for the interests of the economy in Scotland, and the whole of the UK, to ensure that Scotland’s voice is heard.

CHAMBER NEWS

Stimulating company growth, protecting and creating jobs Keith Brown MSP

Cabinet Secretary Economy, Jobs & Fair Work, Scottish Government In common with Chambers of Commerce across Scotland, the Scottish Government has a clear focus on stimulating company growth, protecting and creating jobs and promoting Scotland as a great place to do business.

This focus on the economy and on the priorities of business has been made even more important as a result of the outcome of the EU Referendum.

Scotland’s economy is fundamentally strong, but maintaining our place in the world’s biggest single market is absolutely vital when it comes to protecting jobs, investment and long-term-prosperity.

Although I am confident that Scottish businesses will take advantage of new trading opportunities, the reality is that this uncertainty represents an immediate headwind to the economy and many businesses across Scotland.

That is why we have taken decisive and positive action to support our economy.

While we work towards maintaining our relationship with the EU and retaining our place in the single market, it isn’t feasible to simply sit back and wait to see how those efforts work out.

Instead it is crucial we act now, to support companies and communities across Scotland.

That is exactly what the First Minister did through the £100 million stimulus package we are injecting into Scotland’s economy.

This additional capital funding for the current year will be used to speed up delivery of infrastructure projects, supporting jobs and keeping our economy moving in difficult times.

We have also launched a dedicated service on (www.mygov.scot/eureferendum-business) to provide answers to individual businesses on questions about the impacts of the referendum decision. We are also upgrading the way we interact with the Scottish Chambers and other business bodies, the STUC and the Scotland Office to ensure the business voice is ever present as we work through all the implications of the result and seek to protect Scotland’s priorities and interests.

These measures are important steps to bolster our business community and stimulate growth, building on the resilience that Scottish businesses have already demonstrated.

Since the vote, I have engaged extensively with the business community, including the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, to emphasise that we are still firmly in the EU, and as the First Minister has made clear we are absolutely committed to Scotland maintaining its place in Europe, in line with the referendum result here, which saw a vote to remain by a clear 24-point margin.

Trade and business should continue as normal and we are determined that Scotland will continue now and in the future to be an attractive and a stable place to do business. Maintaining and strengthening our links with key European markets and continuing our efforts to boost Scotland’s exports will, therefore be a top priority. I recognise that Chambers of Commerce share that ambition and I am keen to forge a productive partnership in the weeks and months to come.

At the same time, we must not lose sight of the underlying strengths of Scotland’s economy.

Our economy is characterised by high levels of employment, a highly skilled workforce, and – as a result of your efforts – a strong and diverse business base. These are just a few of the strengths that make Scotland the most attractive location for Foreign Direct Investment in the UK outside London.

On our part, we will continue to act to build on the strong foundations already in place across our economy. But we will also be looking for the UK Government to follow that lead and use the levers that remain at their disposal to provide further support for our companies and workforce.

I believe that, if all levels of Government adopt a proactive, supportive approach for businesses, together we can deliver a bright future for Scotland’s economy

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HEATHROW AIRPORT

A decision for Heathrow is a decision for Scotland

By John Holland-Kaye

Chief Executive, Heathrow Airport

In 2015, the Airports Commission recommended expanding Heathrow as the right choice for every nation of the United Kingdom. As the UK’s largest port, Heathrow’s ability to reach new long-haul destinations is intrinsically linked to Scotland’s ability to trade with the world.

Heathrow expansion will help businesses to grow and create more jobs across Scotland.

So as to ensure that Scotland remains a global, outward looking, trading nation, Heathrow needs to be expanded now more than ever.

Connecting Scotland to the world Heathrow plays a key role in connecting Scottish businesses to emerging and prosperous markets. Heathrow doesn’t compete with local airports, it complements them: it bridges the gap between destinations served directly by Scottish airports and the cities Scottish businesses need to access to compete in the global race for jobs, trade and growth.

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Expansion at Heathrow will allow Scotland to connect to up to 40 more long-haul destinations globally. Furthermore, Heathrow will work with easyJet to provide new flights – leading to more competition and lower fares – from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness. We will also work with the Scottish Government to help get Dundee connected to Heathrow for the first time, with £10 million committed to support new UK routes.

This will mean even more of Scotland has the option of a convenient and secure flight to one of the world’s great hub airports.

More jobs, exports and opportunity for Scotland Heathrow is not only the UK’s global gateway; it is the UK’s biggest port by value.

Heathrow’s cargo infrastructure means it handles 29% of non-EU, UK exports compared to Gatwick’s 0.2%. These exports range from pharmaceuticals, high tech components for Formula One cars and high quality food produce.

Last year, the biggest export by tonnage through Heathrow was fresh salmon from Scotland – over £290m worth travelled through Heathrow to some of the top destinations in the world. Expanding Heathrow means new capacity for exports, helping to boost growth for businesses across Scotland and the rest of the country.

Expanding Heathrow would create up to 16,000 more jobs in Scotland, more than three times the number created by Gatwick.

Scottish businesses do not have to wait for a new runway to open to feel the benefit from Heathrow expanding. Heathrow will locate a new Supply Chain Hub in Scotland where materials that will become part of Europe’s largest private infrastructure project will be pre-assembled.

Hundreds will be directly employed at the site and because it will be in Scotland, it will provide convenient access to Heathrow’s supply chain – allowing many more Scottish SMEs to be involved in the expansion of the airport, as well as ensuring goods reach the Heathrow site in an efficient and sustainable way.

Scotland’s place in the world Expansion at Heathrow will help to connect businesses, exports, and people in Scotland with the rest of the world.

That is why plans for expansion are backed by the Scottish Chamber of Commerce and more than 30 local Chambers of Commerce.

Only Heathrow can provide the stronger future Scotland and the UK need.

“This our vision for Scotland. Building our supply chain in Scotland. Connecting more Scottish passengers to more of the globe.

Bringing new tourists and investment in and taking world-class exports out.

That is why we must have runway capacity that is fit for the future and build it now. We all want our children to inherit a country that is stronger and can compete in the world.”

CHAMBER NEWS

Neil Amner, President and Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce celebrate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce buddies up with New York City counterpart Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, a formal co-operation agreement, with Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

The historic cross-Atlantic agreement came about after Glasgow President Neil Amner and Deputy Chief Executive Richard Muir last month joined a party of senior people from Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, Glasgow Life, and top universities and colleges in going to New York City.

They were part of a delegation to the Big Apple targeted at promoting tourism, trade and investment and the higher and further education sectors.

Focus of the trip was an event called A Great Night In With Glasgow, a reception held in the very trendy West Village.

Neil said: “At this event, Richard and I met Jessica Walker, President of Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and I’m pleased

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to say that the outcome is a partnership between our two organisations.

“The Chamber movement is an international one, and has the potential to provide help to partner organisations all over the globe.

There are close historic links between Scotland and the New York area, and we believe this relationship with Manhattan Chamber could lead to important business contacts for us and for our members in the future.

“There is some irony in the fact that Glasgow Chamber, one of the oldest in the world, was founded in the late 18th century to help Glasgow merchants find new markets in the aftermath of the American Wars of Independence. Now here we are building bridges across the Atlantic to our mutual benefit. Glasgow Chamber has a President’s Club made up of influential business people in its “Home” and “Away” teams. It was asked to invite members of US “Away Team “which includes top exiled Scots in business there who have agreed to contribute time and connections for the benefit of Glasgow’s and Scotland’s economy.”

Over 20 of them joined an audience of 150 influencers who enjoyed such delicacies

as a whisky cocktail courtesy of Glengoyne Distillery and Irn-Bru bonbons from Glickman’s, Glasgow’s oldest sweet shop, in a room lit by 120-year-old Glasgow firm Shearer Candles.

It was the first “live” use of the President’s Club concept abroad, with Neil Amner introducing President’s Club members to other guests and invitees.

Amongst the Away Team members present were Ken Donnelly, Director of Risk at the Bank of America and James Heggie III, Merrill Lynch’s First Vice President, an American with deep Scots roots.

Neil added: “These two gentleman show the high level of our US contacts, and trips like this are all about expanding these contacts to Glasgow’s benefit, as this new agreement shows. This is undoubtedly great news for business in Glasgow.”

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce President Jessica Walker said: “We are excited by this new relationship with our Scottish colleagues in Glasgow, with whom we have much in common. I feel sure members of both Chambers will gain from what will arise from it in the future.”

CHAMBER NEWS

Italian Job completed by Glasgow Chamber Glasgow Chamber of Commerce’s leaders were deeply impressed with the breadth and depth of business opportunities on their mission to northern Italy where the Chamber signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy (BCCI).

“There are so many familiar brands that emanate from northern Italy. It’s a roll call of the motor industry with names such as Fiat, Ferrari and Lamborghini and in style and fashion there is Armani, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Versace and many more,’’ said Deputy Chief Executive Richard Muir.

However, what impressed the Glasgow contingent was the vast number of independent artisans and workshops across a range of industries who supply many of these global brands. The memorandum, which set out formal co-operation, will give Chamber members access to companies across northern Italy. There have also been discussions with the Confartigianato - the confederation of craft businesses - in Bergamo, which represents 14,000 small businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs in the region.

“Our members will now have much better access to this industrial hotspot in northern Italy. And it will give our members and other firms in Glasgow the chance to do business with these major companies and their myriad of suppliers in the craft and artisan sector,” he said.

President Neil Amner, Chief Executive Stuart Patrick and Richard Muir travelled to Milan to sign the deal with BCCI - which was founded in 1904 to improve trade and business relationships between the UK and northern Italy.

“At one of our events, I was sitting next to two Italians who were extolling the merits

Glasgow and the West of Scotland has always had close links with Italy, with many businesses owned and run by people of Italian descent.

Neil Amner, President, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce; Sebastian Buca, President, British Chamber of Commerce for Italy; Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce; John Law, Past President, BCCI and Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in Milan for the signing of the MOU.

of Islay malt whisky, so I know there is an appetite for premium, high-quality Scottish products,’’ said Richard Muir.

The agreement is the result of discussions between the two organisations following last year’s Milan Expo, a visit to Glasgow by Christopher Prentice, Britain’s Ambassador to Italy, in December and the involvement of Richard Rollison, the Scottish Government’s Head of International Trade and Investment Policy. BCCI has over 350 member companies, mostly across northern Italy, and an early outcome of the collaboration will be two joint trade events - one in Glasgow and one in Milan - which will allow Glasgow Chamber members to meet these businesses.

Glasgow Chamber President Neil Amner, said: “The signing of this agreement could not have come at a more appropriate time, with the uncertainty that the Brexit vote has brought to future trading relationships with Europe. This agreement shows that we are on the front foot in maintaining business

links with Europe and are not sitting back waiting on others to make decisions.

“Glasgow and the West of Scotland has always had close links with Italy, with many businesses owned and run by people of Italian descent. However this collaboration formalises that relationship and facilitates access for our members to a very important market in the prosperous northern half of that country.”

Stuart Patrick said: “This agreement came about as a direct result of a Scottish presence at the Milan Expo, and shows the importance of Scottish businesses attending such important events and developing faceto-face relationships. This is an exciting development for us, and I’m confident that Glasgow businesses will benefit from it in the near future. We greatly appreciate the involvement of both the Ambassador to Italy and the Scottish Government in bringing it to fruition.”

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BIBBY FS HOLDINGS

Business as usual for Scotland’s SMEs The new political reality following the UK’s decision to leave the EU has created a period of uncertainty across the UK. But the situation for Bibby Financial Services in Scotland is business as usual. Since we first opened our offices in October 1999 we have seen Scottish SMEs grow tremendously. There are now 767 Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) per 10,000 people providing an estimatedå 1.2 million jobs in the Scottish economy. These businesses are the backbone of the Scottish economy, having weathered many storms in the past.

This is why we are working harder than ever to provide SMEs with the funding and expert support they need. At times like this SMEs rely on certainty from their funders. We have recently been working hard with SMEs in the Scottish energy sector that need invoice finance to see them through the bumps in the energy market. Many of these have not found the support they need from traditional forms of funding.

funding, SMEs in Scotland are continuing to show real signs of strength, despite circumstances of such uncertainty.

According to our latest SME Confidence Tracker, over two fifths (42%) of small business in Scotland are expecting to see their sales increase over the next 3 months.

Over a third (36%) of SMEs in the Scottish region say their sales increased over the previous 3 months.

committed to and that’s why we build lasting relationships with business that we believe in. It’s important to remember that any uncertainty won’t last forever and businesses that need to protect their situation now could be the growth champions of tomorrow. At Bibby Financial Services we are here to provide human, face to face contact for SMEs to help them reach their ambitions.

Business owners we speak to on a daily basis are keen to grow and expand but need a partner to help navigate the changes and challenges that lie ahead. We have developed products designed for specific industry sectors and markets, such as recruitment, construction, and trade. For us, the situation is very much business as usual as we continue to work with and support SMEs that want to fund their growth.

SMEs in Scotland are also not shying away from investing in their businesses. On average, SMEs in Scotland expect to invest £114,270 in their businesses over the next 3 months, with 62% looking to invest. One particular area of focus is new hires with just under a third (30%) planning to increase their headcount.

In Scotland we operate from our Glasgow and Edinburgh offices but we are continuously on the road and part of a much wider network of 19 local UK offices. This is why SMEs can feel safe in the knowledge that their funder is part of a much larger support network dedicated to bringing about the best outcomes for SMEs.

When businesses face uncertainty it is vital that they are supported in the longterm. This is the kind of funding we are

Joanna Cashmore, Head of Sales, Bibby Financial Services Scotland

With access to more flexible forms of

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51 INFANTRY BRIGADE

“Everyone’s a winner” - Military experience brings out the best in business executives Fifty seven participants, 16 leading organisations and 14 Army, Navy and Royal Air Force Reserve Units came together for 48 hours at Redford Barracks and the Pentland hills training area to participate in Exercise Executive Stretch.

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An interactive insight into military personal development, teamwork skills and leadership training, Executive Stretch was open to enthusiastic junior and middle managers.

Recognising this unique opportunity that money could not buy, the volunteers, put forward by their employers, were faced with problem solving and quick thinking decisionmaking scenarios in order to complete team tasks and meet set objectives.

“From a personal development perspective I am already reflecting on some points about my leadership style, both to learn from but also to take away a huge confidence boost in where I am” said , Jane O’Brien, from Hewlett Packard, and continues: “it’s rare to get an opportunity to assess your performance with so many others from other industries and organisations.”

Appreciating the hard work, zest and sheer determination of the participants throughout

51 INFANTRY BRIGADE

And added: “All the teams gelled together effectively and friendships were forged and memories created with each passing hour”.

The event, sponsored by 51 Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland along with Highland and Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadet’s Associations (RFCAs), was led by SNIY, a Scottish military Army Reserve Unit based at Redford Barracks.

“The exercise was several months in the planning” explained Major Chris Majcher, Executive officer and the organiser of the event ”and involved troops from tri Service units drawn from the length breadth of Scotland, working together to deliver a challenging but rewarding exercise.” “ Although the event was competitive, with the 7 teams battling for top spot, the real prize was the engagement between Reserve forces and the participants.”

Ron Macgregor, Regional Employer Engagement Director at Highland RFCA, who has organised the event 17 times, was impressed with the huge success:

the event, Lieutenant Colonel James Campbell-Barnard, Commanding Officer of the Scottish and Northern Irish Yeomanry (SNIY), commended everyone who took part: “ The enthusiasm and commitment shown throughout the exercise by all 57 participants was fantastic – they were just so keen to get stuck in, try something different and stretch themselves more than they had perhaps had the opportunity to do so before.”

“It introduces participants and their employers to the very best of the Reserve Forces in Scotland and demonstrates that it is possible to gain additional skills and qualities, as a reservist, which makes them invaluable assets to their companies.”

With very early Reveilles on both days, the executives were put through their paces with activities that included gun firing with 105 Regiment Royal Artillery, bridge crossings with 71 Engineer Regiment, minefield vehicle extraction with 154 Regiment RLC, medical crisis management with 205 Field Hospital, abseiling under the tutelage of Royal Marines Reserves, live-firing exercise at the 25-metre range using SA80s with 7SCOTS, car searching with the RAF Reserves and ship evacuation with the Royal Navy Reserves.

overwhelmingly positive,” describing it as “a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Aviva’s Andrew Cross, a reservist himself with 7 SCOTS, wrote “our 8 employees learnt a lot about themselves and how they acted in the field and will now be able to relate this to how they work in the office .“ Already aware of the benefits, Paul Shrimpton from HMRC enrolled 8 of his staff knowing that there would be “great feedback from all the staff about the whole event and the professionalism with which it was delivered,” with Laura Richardson, a HMRC participant, agreeing: “What a fantastic weekend I had; the weekend totally went above my expectations and everyone involved made it an amazing event” Lt Col James concludes: “One of our underlying objectives was to introduce the Army’s Leadership behaviours to individuals who came with such a range of contrasting styles and experiences; feedback was positive and for some it was the first time they had been provided with the opportunity to consider their individual leadership characteristics within a relatively challenging environment……. everyone’s a winner.”

If you are interested in finding out more, or getting your company involved in the next Executive Stretch next year or other leadership and management training offered by the Army Reserves visit the web site on www.exerciseexecutivestretch.scot, or feel free to e mail 51X-Engt-Employer-SO2@ mod.uk or phone Major Cameron Humphries on 0131 310 3753 or 07736 065080.

Employers, themselves, were also given the opportunity to visit and witness the benefits of having Reservists in their workforce.

Debbie Walls from Tesco Finance, who is keen for her young professional staff to enhance their personal development was quick to praise the effect it had on her staff saying that the “feedback was

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SCOTTISH CHAMBERS MENTORING PROGRAMME

Scotland’s most respected business connections programme In a world where help for business is being constantly reviewed, refreshed, reconstituted, and adorned with extra bells and whistles, we speak to three business leaders which suggests that in the B2B world, a simple format works best. The direct, unadorned sharing of “in the trenches” experience seems to work best.

So what is the secret of a good business mentoring experience? According, to Chic McSherry, a 10-year veteran of the Chambers programme, whose most recent IT services start-up iPort4business in Glasgow has a turnover of £2m, the “two way street” of benefit between mentor and mentoree satisfies a human need to share business problems, but without the complications and restraints arising from daily working relations or conflicting commercial interests.

“Quite often I am talking to business owners who have started up, and they are at a stage where they can’t talk to any staff about their problems.” McSherry says. “They probably can’t talk to their spouses or partners, and they are a wee bit lost about what they do next, because they think everyone else seems to be doing it so much better.“ “So the first step is to give them a degree of confidence, that they are doing it right, and they might just need to do it bit more to move

You get to meet some great business minds, who are hungry for knowledge and share the same drive and passion for developing a successful business as I do.

Exchanging ideas and experiences with likeminded individuals has allowed me to broaden my own skills, and I take back lessons learnt to improve areas within my own business.

things forward, that’s probably one of the most important things.”

For Franc Jeffrey, founder of the £10m-turnover EQ Travel in Dunfermline, the scheme works so well because the weekly or monthly mentoring meetings act as a kind of escape-hatch from the grinding day-to-day tasks and routines that are a necessary part of a business, particularly a fast-growing one.

“I’ve been in business for 30 years, and there’s no problem that my mentees can bring me that I haven’t seen before. You’ve been through it, or you know someone who has. The main overwhelming thing to help with is the degree of confusion. Loneliness isn’t the right word for what these business leaders are going through, more like a kind of isolation.”

The art of the good mentor, his is suggesting, is to alleviate the pressure of solitude and in so doing , tactfully to signpost positive ways forward.

“Generally as part of the mentoring programme, you never give them advice as such” Jeffrey continues “What you do is you ask them questions, and if you are doing your job well the questions you ask them will allow them to think how they can move forwards themselves.”

“More often than not they already know, they just haven’t had time to think about it. By asking them the questions, you bring it to the forefront of their minds. Also by getting them away from the daily routine, you give them space to think. The best hour of the day you can spend is the hour when you can just stand and stare out the window. Because that’s where the next idea is going to come from, that’s when you know what your exit strategy is going to be, that’s how you know if you have got to the place you are going to get to and that doesn’t happen when you are at your desk.”

All of which implies that good mentorship demands the degree of emotional intelligence and empathy that can only be learned by experience.

For Bob MacDonald, the globe-trotting chief executive of offshore engineering services

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giant Wood Group Kenny, who jokes that he was “roped in” to the scheme after happening to attend a Chambers lunch session in 2011, the scheme wouldn’t be worth the time of an extremely busy man if he didn’t think it was making a difference.

And of course the advice that he gives would be worth a lot less coming from someone less busy, or with less experience of prioritising business tasks while undertaking a gruelling schedule. So how does he reconcile the demands that participation in the scheme with an exceptionally complex corporate leadership role?

“At times it can be a challenge to offer as much support as I’d like; with work I travel extensively and at home I have a young family. But seeing businesses and people succeed is what drives me to do this. I’m a naturally driven person and am passionate about succeeding and helping others to succeed. I thoroughly enjoy working with individuals and young businesses as I not only get the chance to pass on what I have learnt through the years but I also get the opportunity to learn about new businesses, ideas and initiatives – it’s a great feeling to be part of what I hope will become a wonderfully successful business.”

All of the mentors, who sign non-disclosure agreements at the start of the relationship are keen to avoid advising companies in their own sectors, for obvious reasons.

But the nature of their advice tends to be universal as, in the words of Franc Jeffrey “business is business is business,” whether it is a cosmetic surgery or a subsea services supplier. Bob MacDonald sums it up: “There is never just one challenge – but some of the more common issues include, generating and delivering against a business plan, the challenge of growing a company – including delegation, business development and accessing new markets, people management, and of course … communication challenges!”

The topics may be similar but there is a vast difference in the ways that companies and individuals engage with them. As a veteran of the scheme, Chic McSherry can spot

SCOTTISH CHAMBERS MENTORING PROGRAMME

Thus the scheme is a standing rebuke to those, all too prevalent in Scottish politics and society who view “business” as the polar opposite of “community” or “social responsibility”. Bob MacDonald sums it up “I believe as a business leader we have a degree of responsibility to ensure we share our experiences – good and bad. No one person can say they got to where they did without a few falls along the way and I believe it is important these life lessons are passed on and shared.”

types and patterns of business behaviour, and enjoys the people-watching aspect of the role: “Some people, are full of big plans and want to do this and want to do that and you never hear from them. Other people are really methodical. It really depends on what they want out of it to be absolutely honest.

If they don’t want that much out of it, they won’t get that much out of it. I know what I can provide.”

“I’ve had some really good success stories I’m really proud of, others where you meet them for a couple of coffees and it sounds promising but you never hear from them again.”

All good mentors, it seems have developed similarly clear rules of engagement: Says Chic McSherry: “I always offer the same amount of time, a year’s engagement, but within that time I’m either quite tightly engaged where I work quite closely with them at a finance level, almost as a non-exec director, or it can be a looser arrangement, where it’s a just bit of advice and someone to talk to, because people need that too. I’d say about 20% want me as a non-exec and the rest on an ad hoc basis.”

All the mentors consulted are agreed that the scheme has lasted as long as it has because driven business leaders like themselves consider it worth their while to make it work. Indeed, it is more than worth their while, they find it positively beneficial.

Says Bob MacDonald: You get to meet some great business minds, who are hungry for knowledge and share the same drive and passion for developing a successful business as I do. Exchanging ideas and experiences with likeminded individuals has allowed me to broaden my own skills, and I take back

Bob MacDonald

Chief Executive, Wood Group Kenny

Wood Group Kenny is the world’s largest pipeline and subsea engineering and management contractor with over 30 years’ experience. It has 1200 professional staff in 5 continents. Bob was operations director now CEO. He was brought up in Fyvie and Peterhead and has a vast experience of all things subsea. Has held varied roles in subsea engineering, project management, commercial support, engineering management, contracts management, operations support, account management, business management and most recently holding the position of operations director. “

lessons learnt to improve areas within my own business.”

Franc Jeffrey explains why after four years as a mentor he remains “very happy to carry on doing it”: “Because the mentees know that nothing that you are discussing will be discussed with anyone else, they are as honest as you can be and it’s from this honesty that you can really learn something.”

Ten years in operation suggests that the Scottish Chambers Mentoring scheme has found its own delicate balance of mutual benefit for mentor and mentoree, a fascinating field of relations given that all involved are profit-minded businessmen and women first and foremost, not philanthropists or champions of social enterprise.

Franc Jeffrey

Director, EQ Travel

EQ Travel is a major player in the highly competitive corporate travel market.

Franc, an expert business change specialist, considers his main business achievement, apart from starting and growing his current business, to be working for a family firm taking turnover from $20million to over £199million, and internationalising the company from the US to the UK and four other countries. EQ Travel is employee owned, meaning that every team member has a vested interest in always giving 100% to our clients’ travel requirements.

The final word goes to Chic McSherry who has a typical account of the personal commitment has made the scheme so longlasting: “I didn’t need much persuading, it’s something I was pretty open to. I met someone by accident quite early in my business career and the man was unbelievably helpful to me, and it never cost me anything. So when I was asked if I wanted to do it, I figured this might be a way of paying it back.”

To understand why the Scottish Chambers mentoring scheme works so well, thriving largely by word of mouth, it seems, you need only grasp the principle that successful people want others to succeed. That surely is a positive message that deserves to be celebrated more widely.

A Partnership between Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scottish Enterprise

Chic McSherry Director, iport4business

Iport4business specialises in design and supply of IT and software business solutions. Chic is most proud of building and keeping sale team and achieving growth through two recessions dealing with major change in industry within IT sector. In addition he has developed a number of businesses also at international level and is a board member of Business Gateway Lanarkshire. He is particularly experienced in growing business from scratch and currently trades and travels across Europe.

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SCOTTISH CHAMBERS MENTORING PROGRAMME

A man on a mission Damien is a man on a mission. He is a young man with a sharp focus and a deep determination to make a difference in life. “It’s all about using your experience and skills to make a difference. Simple as that,” he says.

Damien McGarrigle Mentor

He was born and bred in the border country of Northern Ireland which has given him an energy and passion to get on in life and to help others along the way.

Damien McGarrigle has achieved much in life and continually strives to do more. He has reached a senior position as Head of Commercial Insurance at Lloyds Banking Group, a position that brings considerable pressure and responsibility. However he has a desire to make a difference in ways that assist to shape the lives of others – and business mentoring is one way that he makes a big difference.

Damien knows the importance of small businesses to the economy and to local communities. His father ran his own business in a small community and this gave Damien an early insight into the challenges of running a small business.

It also left him with a fundamental understanding of the importance of enterprise and a strong belief in the necessity to sustain and grow small businesses in local communities as part of a healthy sustainable economy.

“My upbringing and experience with my father’s business gave me an insight into the challenges and the tenacity required to keep an enterprise going and be part of the economic lifeblood of the area. The social aspect of enterprise was also clear alongside the need to make profits to keep everything working as a community. It’s the same anywhere”.

Having started as a Commercial Accountant at Playtex in the 1990s, Damien went on to develop a successful career in the finance sector. He also continues a commitment to the wider economy and community being on the board of a number of such social enterprises. His life experience

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and professional career have given Damien a practical competitive edge to all his activities and a real desire for improvement.

As Damien says “I really want to make a difference in everything I do. My work in insurance is about protecting and assisting businesses and my involvement in mentoring and social enterprise is also about helping people.”

Formal training and continuous professional development only helped to reinforce Damien’s belief in the need for mentoring in business and in life.

He started slowly in mentoring small businesses and now has a proven approach that works for businesses and for him.

“I am lucky that my employer supports mentoring and the business mentoring programme. I make the time to do business mentoring as I know it can provide a real boost to the business leader who often wrestles with a great idea that just needs some prompting and guiding and maybe some tools such as setting clear goals. I normally work with a business for a year and it is an interactive process. I like to gather the facts and establish the trust basis within the first three months then plan what we can achieve together. It is a questioning process where the business participant provides the answers – I just prompt the progress and bring some experience and insight that might help”.

And it does help. Damien is modest about the achievements and his own role however the results and direct feedback have been good.

“It is good to know that the experience helps the business person” says Damien.

“It doesn’t guarantee success; there are

no guarantees in life but it does seem to make a positive difference. I put a lot into the relationship and I get so much back from business mentoring. I am constantly learning and I love the variety of the challenges as well as the range of new business ideas that get turned into trading realities. They are all vital to the person as they represent their passion and many go on to become important in the economy and the community. You can’t argue with that”.

Damien has been involved with mentoring through his employer, Lloyds Banking Group, as well as through the School for Social Entrepreneurs and Scottish Business Mentoring with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. The support of his employer and their commitment to business mentoring has been important.

“The involvement has given me a broad perspective on issues and challenges. It is vital for me as a mentor to be flexible in the relationship and see where I can best add value and help people. Often it is about confidence building and having someone there to provide a different form of support and understanding. This understanding then enables me to see how to build confidence as well as share learning and set out possible approaches to handle different situations.”

Damien has helped business leaders in SMEs and social enterprises address many issues through business mentoring.

The issues can range from property to personalities, from the physical business assets to the intangibles of success.

“I always encourage individuals in an enterprise to review their own achievements and recognise their success as that builds self-confidence and aspiration to do even more. I also want to

SCOTTISH CHAMBERS MENTORING PROGRAMME

help individuals and communities to build social resilience.

Many are small fish in a large pond where the challenges can be tough.”

Damien helps individuals navigate these challenging waters.

He knows that it can be a lonely place with scary moments as well as experiencing the thrills of success and doing something worthwhile day in day out.

“It takes massive courage and commitment to get a business idea off the ground and to get it up and running. I know what is required and I have been inspired by the commitment of so many people. My input is minimal in the grand scheme of things but so long as it helps then I am happy to do it” says Damien.

So what is necessary for a successful mentoring relationship?

“We need to recognise that it takes time and patience to build a relationship and a basis to help. The 12 months goes in quickly but that time is needed as we set out the planning in the first three months then move forward to implement things thereafter. We bounce ideas around and I help to shape these and provide frameworks that help to organise and focus without stifling the creativity or energy. We try to get into a rhythm of regular contact.

“I am often the sounding board that people need; I can also be a channel to reflect their progress and build the confidence from seeing real progress from their work – and it is their work not mine. I just listen and respond; they do all the work”.

Damien loves to see things build and progress.

“Maybe I help to show people what they can do, how they can achieve things that are fundamentally important in their lives.

I love to see the signs of progress then I leave them to get on with it. Being involved as a form of support to the business leader for the 12 months can be a great relief for that person - just knowing that there is someone there to ask, a check on things to get the reassurance that they are doing the right thing and able to make the decisions for the right reason that recognises the risks. Their decision is then made with eyes open to the risks”.

So how does Damien measure the success of his mentoring?

“I think we would need to look at where the person and the enterprise is now compared to where they were before. It is a long term change measure. In the short term we can help to provide the space to think more clearly with the mentor alongside as a sounding board. The system can also be confusing with different agencies and authorities so we can help to de-clog things and get quicker to the sources of further assistance where it is needed”.

Damien is happy to help through business mentoring and looks forward to helping more people in future.

“Yes I want to keep doing it. We are all in this together so the more we can develop sustainable small businesses and social enterprises, the more we will all benefit”.

In these times of economic challenge and new forms of competitiveness the need for business mentors like Damien and support from employers like Lloyds Banking Group will become more important than ever.

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SQA JOURNEYS DeveloPing the Workforce of toMorroW

Scotland’s young people are our future – they are the workforce of tomorrow.

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is the Scottish Government’s seven year initiative to improve the options available to young people, reducing youth unemployment by preparing young people for the workplace and giving them the skills that employers are looking for.

Delivering for ScotlanD SQA is a key partner in the initiative. We are uniquely placed to deliver this because we already work closely with training providers, employers and colleges as well as schools.

We understand the needs of learners and of employers and how we can help one group to help the other.

Our wide range of qualifications is designed in partnership with industry experts to foster the workplace skills and experience needed in the real working world to make businesses more competitive and Scotland’s economy more dynamic.

These qualifications sit at various levels, allowing the learner to progress up the skills ladder from one qualification to the next or to move sideways to a different ladder at an equivalent level. They create a more qualified, more motivated and more productive workforce.

find out where SQa Journeys could take your business.

Working With You Employers can play a major role in helping Scotland’s young people, who in turn can ensure a better future for Scotland’s businesses.

Every business working with SQA has a dedicated Manager in their Region – one point of contact who will take the time to get to know you and how you work. An advisor you can trust. They will listen and advise, help identify goals and zero in on how you can achieve the biggest business benefits from helping develop Scotland’s young workforce.

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

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. To learn more about our programme we invite you to attend one of our MBA summer previews sessions.

To register visit:

www.sbs.strath.ac.uk/apps/previews/

The ability to retain individuals who make a difference to organisational performance either through their immediate contribution or their high potential can lead to positive economic results.”

Creating inspirational managers to drive your business forward W

hatever your business or industry, you can be sure you will benefit from the programmes on offer at Andrew Carnegie Business School. As a leading provider of training and development, we help teams develop the skills required to run a more successful, more efficient and more profitable organisation. With training expertise in the development and delivery of Leadership, Change, Quality, Project, Programme, Risk, Sales and Marketing Management, Andrew Carnegie Business School supports organisations to develop excellent people.

The importance of investing in your employees’ leadership and management skills training and development should never be underestimated. Your people manage and control your business – they are the ones who give you the competitive edge to succeed in an aggressive market place.

The ability to retain individuals who make a difference to organisational performance either through their immediate contribution or their high potential can lead to positive economic results.

Our qualifications are career-focused, designed in response to what employers need and value At Andrew Carnegie Business School, we can help you plan for the future success of your business by providing flexible training solutions; from scoping needs though to programme design, delivery and evaluation. We provide access to high quality programmes across a wide range of management disciplines accredited by leading professional institutions. Some of our more popular courses include accredited Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM) programmes,

Chartered Management Institute (CMI) programmes, Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) programmes and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) programmes. We also offer a full suite of project, programme, portfolio and risk management qualifications including PRINCE2®, APM, MSP®, M_o_R® and P3O®.

Linda Greig, Director of Business Development, is very enthusiastic about the courses on offer and the benefits they can bring; “Ranging from certificate to postgraduate level, our flexible, professional courses and training allow individuals and employers to fit training around their work and other commitments.

“Our qualifications are career-focused, designed in response to what employers need and value, assisting employees in their job role performance and understanding, which translates into a more productive and efficient work force, in turn strengthening your competitive position. Our programmes are current and contemporary, with a practical focus, to help create inspirational managers and leaders who will take a business forward.”

Andrew Carnegie Business Schools adds PRINCE2 Agile® to its extensive portfolio Andrew Carnegie Business School is delighted to add PRINCE2 Agile to our extensive portfolio, offering our clients a complete project management training and consultancy service.

PRINCE2 Agile is the world’s most complete project management solution, combining the flexibility and responsiveness of Agile with the clearly defined framework of PRINCE2®.

PRINCE2 Agile is a new extension module tailored for forward-thinking organisations and

PRINCE2®, PRINCE2® Agile, P3O®, MSP® and MoP® are registered trade marks of AXELOS Limited. The Swirl logo™ is a trade mark of AXELOS Limited.

individuals already benefiting from PRINCE2 that would like further guidance on how to apply Agile methods to the world’s most recognised project management method.

PRINCE2 Agile is the only Agile project framework covering the full spectrum of Agile, including SCRUM, Kanban, Cynefin and Lean Startup. Unlike other Agile project management methodologies, PRINCE2 Agile explains how they work and how they can be incorporated into a project environment.

For those who are thinking, “isn’t Agile an IT delivery tool?” or “I don’t work in IT so this is irrelevant to me”, PRINCE2 Agile can be applied to any project, in any industry sector, it is not purely IT or software focused.

Mike Gilbert, Mechanical Engineering Manager at global based manufacturer of fuel dispensers, Tokheim had this to say about Andrew Carnegie Business School; “Tokheim has adopted PRINCE2 training for a number of years and have consistently used Andrew Carnegie Business School to perform the mentoring and training.

The tutors are excellent, giving clear and precise information at the correct level and the material supplied is excellent.

“The follow up on the courses is also very professional and based on this full package Tokheim will continue to use Andrew Carnegie Business School for future training.”

If you would like to find out more about how Andrew Carnegie Business School can help you make a positive impact on your bottom line, then contact our Business Development Team on 0344 248 0152, email info@carnegiebusiness.com or visit www.carnegiebusiness.com.

CITY OF GLASGOW COLLEGE

It’s an exciting time at City of Glasgow College!

You may have heard about our new, state-of-the-art, city centre campuses; an investment of £228 million.

So as one of Scotland’s largest business education and training providers, with a reputation built on delivering quality training, we have never been better placed to help with your training needs.

requirements. We also provide a free training needs analysis to help you define your training requirements and to implement the training strategy that’s right for your employees and your business.

Our knowledge, skills and experience cover an extensive range of subject areas and we can provide short courses to major projects, so we can help whatever the scale of your

Overall enhancing the skills of your workforce is key to the growth of your business, its performance and futureproofing your competitive edge in the marketplace.

Flexibility is key when working with companies to support their training needs and we are able to put together bespoke training packages, targeted specifically to meet the needs of your business. A bespoke training package means you can work directly with a trainer and save time and money by bringing a course in-house, reducing the cost per delegate, saving on travel expenses and time away from the office.

Training for Businesses

From professionally accredited and bespoke training courses to business advice and support, we can support skills development in your organisation to help your people and business flourish.

Situated in the heart of Glasgow in two new state-ofthe-art £228m campuses, we offer courses and training in a wide range of subject areas including: • Accounting

• Health and Safety

• Administration, Human Resources and Law

• Health Care and Early Education

• Applied Computing and Digital Technologies

• Hospitality

• Business and Procurement

• Marketing and Retail

• Engineering, Energy & Gas • First Aid and Medical Care • Food Hygiene

For more information: www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk/work-with-us commercial@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk / 0141 375 5571 Scottish Charity Number SC036198

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• Licensing • Nautical Studies and Marine Engineering • Sport

Let Learning Flourish www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk

SQA JOURNEYS FOR SCOTLAND’S FUTURE Scotland’s future is our young people – the workforce of tomorrow.

SQa qualifications prepare them for work, and give them the skills employers like you are looking for. find out where SQa Journeys can take your business.

www.sqa.org.uk/journeys

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

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Available as online, remote and blended learning, in open workshops or at your premises.

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TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

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SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

An enduring global brand with added spirit Malcolm Roughead OBE Chief Executive of VisitScotland

Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it creates jobs, sustains communities and provides an international shop window for Scotland.

Our industry also supports other important business sectors, including food and drink, textiles, retail and construction. We provide a ripple effect that is helping these, and many other sectors, flourish and that is why VisitScotland strives to keep Scotland, as a destination, out in front of our competitors.

VisitScotland’s campaign, ‘The Spirit of Scotland’, is part of a series of initiatives that is fundamentally changing the way in which we market and present Scotland around the world, designed to deliver benefits way beyond traditional tourism sectors. It’s about building on the strong image Scotland already has and the reputation for success we built in 2014 when we delivered The Commonwealth Games and The Ryder Cup. By engaging more than 130,000 people through #ScotSpirit, the social media element of our campaign, VisitScotland is taking Scotland to the world in a way not seen before, encouraging people from around the world to post digital content that shows their #ScotSpirit and, in doing so, help us excite people about Scotland and encourage them to visit.

We’ve now extended this with a new online community platform, which is creating opportunities for more people - Scots and

visitors alike - to share their experiences of our country exchanging knowledge in a way not possible before. Through their phones, tablets and laptops, they are working with us to help promote Scotland to millions of people around the world.

Our ultimate aim is to create as many advocates for Scotland as we can in order to broaden our reach and sphere of influence in a world where the way that visitors are researching and booking their trips is changing at an ever-increasing pace.

The confidence and faith in Scotland as a brand and as a leading visitor destination is highlighted by the international partners we are working with. TripAdvisor, Google, NBC, The New York Times - to name but a few - all see the potential of the country and the draw it has for millions of visitors who come here each year.

outperform the rest of the economy and our neighbours in the UK but if we are to realise our full potential we must pull our collective assets in the public sector, the private sector and our globally recognised point of difference, our own people, if we are to succeed.

By bringing people and digital media together we are doing just this.

Spending by tourists in Scotland generates around £12 billion of economic activity in the wider Scottish supply chain while the industry supports almost 200,000 jobs.

VisitScotland is committed to extending this success story and ensuring our industry goes from strength to strength. By working closely with partners, we are delivering for Scotland.

The tourism industry has undoubted potential as an engine of economic growth.

The industry in Scotland continues to

By engaging more than 130,000 people through #ScotSpirit, the social media element of our campaign, VisitScotland is taking Scotland to the world in a way not seen before, encouraging people from around the world to post digital content that shows their #ScotSpirit and, in doing so, help us excite people about Scotland and encourage them to visit.

Business Scotland

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CHAMBER NEWS

Business Scotland

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SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Major boost for UK and London economy as London City Airport receives planning permission for expansion

London City Airport has received planning permission for expansion from the UK Government which will enable the airport to welcome 6.5 million passengers by 2025 and inject £1.5 billion each year into the economy.

By Declan Collier

Chief Executive Officer at London City Airport The City Airport Development Programme (CADP) is a £344 million privately funded investment which includes plans for 7 new aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway and passenger terminal extension.

The development will transform the airport, one of East London’s largest employers in London’s Royal Docks, enabling the airport to welcome quieter, next generation aircraft and add more capacity. Last year the airport, which opened in 1987, welcomed a recordbreaking 4.3 million passengers.

Philip Hammond MP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Aviation Minister, confirmed the Government’s approval during a visit to the airport, following confirmation from Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and Communities Secretary Sajid Javid.

Declan Collier, CEO, London City Airport: “The new Government has shown it is ready to act in the best interests of the British economy. Expansion at London City Airport will create more than 2,000 new jobs in East London, add much-needed aviation capacity in the South East, and generate an additional £750m per year for the UK economy. As the airport serving by far the highest proportion of business travellers in the UK (52%), who do some £11bn of trade in Europe annually, the Government has sent a strong message

that London and the UK are very much open for business. I welcome the decision and look forward to delivering new airport capacity for the South East by 2019.”

The construction phase of development will create 500 jobs and a further 1,600 jobs once completed. Under the plans the airport can add approximately a further 32,000 flights by 2025, movements which are already permitted, helping to unlock more air capacity within London’s airport system in advance of a new runway for the South East of England.

It will also open up opportunities for airlines for longer-haul destinations including The Gulf and Middle East, Turkey, Russia and the east coast of the United States.

The new Government has shown it is ready to act in the best interests of the British economy. Expansion at London City Airport will create more than 2,000 new jobs in East London, add much-needed aviation capacity in the South East, and generate an additional £750m per year for the UK economy.

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GATWICK AIRPORT

A new runway in the South East must also work for Scotland

Stewart Wingate

CEO, Gatwick Airport

The UK Government will soon decide where to build a new runway in the South East.

the demands of Gatwick’s passengers and refocused our £1billion investment to improve customer service, particularly around the security experience.

Around that time, the thorny issue of a new runway at Heathrow had been exercising politicians. Not for the first time, it had proved too difficult. Three terms of a supportive Labour Government had failed to get the project anywhere close to a planning inquiry, let alone the bulldozers.

Having lived and worked in the country, I passionately believe it is in Scotland’s interests that it should be at Gatwick so that competition can prevail and balanced growth across the UK can be fostered.

The perfectly justifiable environmental concerns of Londoners, particularly those in the West of the city, had put paid to Heathrow’s growth prospects again and the airport itself stopped working on the project.

My first job in airports was at Glasgow, where I was customer service director. I was part of a team that worked hard to improve the airport both in terms of the service we provided passengers, and the choice of destinations we offered direct from Scotland.

Fast forward a few years, and the perennial question of airports capacity returned.

This time, Government presented the problem to Sir Howard Davies and a team of commissioners. The most significant feature of this latest debate was the participation of Gatwick, under new owners.

We were rightly under pressure from passengers and politicians, and from business leaders, to deliver new routes, direct from Scotland to markets in Europe and beyond, particularly in North America and the Middle East.

People were tired of having to go to London to get anywhere and competition from European airports was forcing Scotland’s airports to raise their game.

Then in 2009, the Competition Commission (CC), now the Competition and Markets Authority, completed its investigation into the UK airports market, finding that competition was almost non-existent and forcing BAA to release its grip on the market north and south of the border by selling three of its airports.

There were very few people around at the time criticising the replacement of a monopoly with competition. Later that year, Gatwick changed hands and I was appointed CEO. We spent time better understanding

For years, Gatwick existed in the shadow of the dominant and expensive Heathrow.

Important matters such as the UK’s airports policy was left to the clever people at head office, which was eventually located at Heathrow. However, times have changed.

The reason we chose to enter the competition to build the UK’s next new runway is because we fundamentally believe in competition and choice. What business does not?

The Competition Commission itself suggested that breaking up the BAA monopoly would lead to “lower prices, improved levels of service and more efficient investment in response to customers’ needs.” Who would argue against such things?

So, the question of where to build new runway capacity boils down to a simple question: competition or monopoly?

on competition. To Scotland, we have consistently highlighted that direct flights between Scotland and its key markets is preferable to a connection over London.

Close scrutiny of the Airports Commission report itself suggests that Scotland will have a larger share of long-haul traffic in a competitive system as opposed to the monopoly one still being promoted by Heathrow.

The airports in Scotland, particularly Edinburgh, have been hugely successful in recent years – creating direct connections between Scotland’s capital city and many points across North America, Europe and the Middle East.

Gordon Dewar of Edinburgh Airport said recently that “a larger Heathrow will suck the life out of every UK airport outside London.”

I suspect he’s right.

A few weeks ago, I was in Scotland with Björn Kjos, the founder and CEO of Norwegian Air, an airline that is building an exciting global network at Gatwick and which signalled to Scottish business people and Ministers that it is prepared to do the same at Edinburgh, provided the right competitive policy backdrop exists.

The truth is Scotland is less dependent than ever on large London airports for its global connections. What matters more is competition – whether that is from European airports or others in the UK – and consumer choice.

Gatwick expansion fosters more competition and a stronger network of competing and thriving airports across the UK; this supports the continued growth of airports in Scotland.

As the Government considers a decision on airport expansion in the South East, it’s time to turn away from the failed options of the past and look to the future for a solution that works for all of Britain, not just a few.

At Gatwick, we have built our entire case

Business Scotland

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Weslo Property Management We are a subsidiary business of Weslo Housing Management. We offer management, maintenance and letting services to landlords in West Lothian and Falkirk.

Our goal is to provide good quality homes within the Private Rented Sector to tenants of varying demographics and to drive standards up by working with landlords to ensure that their rental properties meet the required standard for letting in Scotland.

We are in the process of developing a Tenant Participation Group, this will give our private tenants a platform in which to express their ideas and suggestions for the wider PRS. Weslo Property Management was recently voted the best letting agent in Scotland by its tenants, this is a fantastic achievement and one that should give our landlord clients peace of mind and comfort. Having good quality tenants who are happy and are willing to engage openly with their agent reduces the risk of rent arrears, voids and anti-social behaviour.

Why notd ? t n e g a g n rent lettiny Management afer. r u c h it w Fed up o Weslo Propert 00 switching of switch t antage of our £1 take adv Weslo Property Management are giving landlords the chance to earn £100 cash back when signing up to our Weslo100 campaign.

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SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Glasgow Airport crowned best airport in Europe with 5-10 million passengers Glasgow Airport, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, has been awarded Airport Council International Europe’s (ACI Europe) prestigious Best Airport Award at a ceremony hosted by Athens International Airport on Tuesday 21 June 2016.

The “Best Airport, 5-10 million passengers” accolade acknowledged Glasgow’s focus on enhancing its facilities, improving the passenger experience and securing a host of new routes and services.

Glasgow beat European airports Naples and Lyon to the title which comes one week after it was crowned Scottish Airport of the Year.

Glasgow is also the current holder of the UK Airport of the Year title as well as the Airport Operators Association (AOA) Airport of the Year.

The judging panel for the ACI Europe Best Airport Awards was drawn from a wellrespected group of independent experts including EUROCONTROL, the European Commission, European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), European Travel Commission (ETC) and Air Transport World.

In 2015 alone, Glasgow Airport secured 30 new routes and services including direct flights to Halifax, Nova Scotia; Budapest, Prague and Las Vegas. The airport has continued this success into 2016 when it will launch 16 new services. It will also invest £25M in a series of major infrastructure projects designed to cater for the airport’s unprecedented growth in passenger

numbers whilst significantly enhancing the customer experience.

Amanda McMillan, chief executive of AGS Airports Ltd and managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “We were highly commended at last year’s ACI Europe awards, so to have gone one step further and secured the title of Best Airport in what is our 50th anniversary is a huge honour. We have worked extremely hard to provide our customers with an ever increasing choice of destinations and have committed significant investment to enhancing our facilities.

“I am immensely proud to receive this award on behalf of the 5,000 people who have

achieved so much over the course of the past year and ensured that Glasgow Airport continues to deliver for the city and for Scotland.”

ACI EUROPE is the European region of Airports Council International (ACI), the only worldwide professional association of airport operators. ACI EUROPE represents close to 500 airports in 45 European countries.

In 2014, its member airports handled over 90% of commercial air traffic in Europe, welcoming more than 1.8 billion passengers, 18.4 million tonnes of freight and 21.2 million aircraft movements.

Virgin Trains has launched a free booking portal for SMEs, Railblazers and passengers at the heart of what we do. We are fully committed to supporting small businesses in the UK by creating bespoke offers designed to enable their travel across the Virgin Trains Network, facilitating face to face meetings which are vital in securing deals and maintaining business relationships. The Railblazers portal is designed to make rail travel easier for SMEs across the UK.”

This follows strong growth in passenger numbers, with businesses increasingly opting for train travel which allows time to work or just unwind onboard ahead of meetings.

The self booking tool lets businesses reserve all their rail journeys from a single website available 24/7. Companies can add users and departments to the account to enable one central train travel tool for the whole business.

Railblazers is supported by a dedicated UK based team for clients and has lots of practical features to make business travel easier for SMEs such as allowing tickets to be collected without the card used to purchase them.

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Graham Leech, Group Commercial Director said: “At Virgin Trains we know that many SMEs face challenges getting ahead in business, which is why we support them both as suppliers and as customers. We put local communities

The Railblazers portal has undergone vigorous testing and feedback from businesses in order to be ready for its launch.

For more information and to create an account, simply visit www.railblazers.co.uk.

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

ScotRail Modern Apprentices face Diamond Challenge To celebrate 60 years of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), ScotRail Modern Apprentices are taking part in a Diamond Challenge, which involves cycling 348 miles – the number of ScotRail stations.

To kick off the Challenge, HRH The Earl of Wessex joined ScotRail Alliance Managing Director Phil Verster at Fort William station to pedal the first mile on static bikes.

A DofE Gold Award is a key target within ScotRail’s modern apprenticeship

I am immensely proud of all our apprentices who have worked very hard towards attaining a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Phil Verster, ScotRail Alliance’s Managing Director

programme, with around 40 apprentices attaining the accolade since 2011. It consists of five elements, all undertaken throughout ScotRail’s apprenticeship programme: volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential.

Currently 11 apprentices – six engineers and five in customer service roles – are working towards the Award.

The 18-month-long modern apprenticeship in customer service - a UK rail industry first – also sees apprentices work towards achieving a Level 2 Scottish Vocational Qualification in Customer Service. During the programme, they are trained, paid and given placements in frontline customer service roles – working in station booking offices, ticket gateline, ticket examiner and on-train hospitality host.

Since launched, the scheme has gained cross-party support.

ScotRail also offers a four-year modern apprenticeship in engineering, which sees the young people spending their first year in full-time study before three years of training at ScotRail fleet depots. During this time, the apprentices work towards achieving an HNC in Electrical Engineering.

Engineering apprentice Elliot Lambie took part in the Diamond Challenge. He said: “It’s a privilege to be involved. I’m grateful to ScotRail for helping me work towards achieving the DofE Gold Award as it’s been a

great experience, which has allowed me to develop many new skills.”

Phil Verster, ScotRail Alliance’s Managing Director, said: “I am immensely proud of all our apprentices who have worked very hard towards attaining a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to gain invaluable skills and real life experience which will stay with them forever.

“We’re committed to developing and inspiring our people so it’s fantastic to see this award-winning programme in action.”

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SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Two school pupils given innovative, new engineering work placements by CalMac

Left to right – school work placement engineering students Owen Kennedy and Ryan McGregor, CalMac’s Technical Director Peter Breslin and Inverclyde Council Provost Robert Moran at CalMac’s workshops

Two students from Inverclyde have been given an opportunity to gain valuable engineering skills thanks to a new initiative working with schools in the area.

The 18-month training course has come about as a result of requests from school students who want to complete their formal school qualifications but do not wish to focus on university. Instead, it satisfies a vocational interest in gaining new skills in advance of leaving school and entering the world of work.

It is the first year that the programme has been available and CalMac, along with a number of other engineering-related companies, have stepped forward to assist and support.

CalMac’s two students Owen Kennedy and Ryan McGregor are both from St Columba’s High School in Gourock – they have just finished S5 and will continue on the course for the duration of S6. And they have both quickly made a favourable impression.

With a grandfather who worked at both Ferguson’s and Kincaid’s shipyards, Owen, who lives in Greenock, was keen to follow his footsteps into the marine industry and would like to specialise in mechanical engineering.

In addition to two afternoons a week spent at CalMac’s workshops in Gourock, the pair also attends West of Scotland College for further practical tuition. And all this fits around their regular school curriculum commitments.

The two students have already completed a bedding-in and preparation period of training in the likes of health and safety, and risk assessment, and have now set to work – under the watchful eye of CalMac workshop staff – stripping down a compressor. In the process, they are not only learning new skills but are benefiting from years of staff experience.

“We are extremely pleased with the commitment, drive, enthusiasm and willingness shown by both Owen and Ryan,” said CalMac’s Technical Director, Peter Breslin. “They are very quick to learn and have been listening carefully to instruction, help and tips from our workshop engineering staff.

“This is a great opportunity to learn more about the industry itself and to get some more knowledge,” said Owen. “I like to know how things work and, therefore, when I heard about this opportunity I was thrilled and was happy to apply.”

“Both are a credit to their school and their families. More than anything, though, they both really enjoy it – they are an absolute pleasure to have on board with us here at CalMac. Our staff are learning from them, too – they had ideas for annotating technical photos on the computer and the two lads have asked whether they can help by showing them how to do that.”

Meanwhile Ryan, from Gourock, is particularly interested in electrical engineering and see this opportunity as a good balance of practical work and college studies.

In addition to CalMac, a number of other engineering firms have joined the scheme to offer similar vocational training – among them Ferguson Marine Engineering, Rolls

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“I enjoy being able to get hands on work experience done,” continued Ryan. “I feel many other kids my age don’t get opportunities like this one. I’d much rather do something with my hands than read a textbook and this allows me to do that whilst learning skills that will be for life.”

Left to right – Ryan and Owen in the workshop

Royce, James Fisher Defence and Texas Instruments.

Co-ordinator of the scheme, on behalf of Inverclyde Council via Inverclyde Community Development Trust, Kevin Millar said: “This training programme has great potential not only for this area, but as a model for what could be achieved elsewhere in the country.

“Inverclyde Council and the Trust hold great ambition for Inverclyde’s young workforce and are fully committed in supporting young people into positive destinations. However, it is only with much valued employer input in curriculum design that we can develop and implement innovative vocational programmes and pathways to achieve our common goal” “We have discovered great support for the initiative from a wide range of employers – engineering and science are priority educational aims for both the Scottish and UK governments and we laid a path for gaining valuable skills and connections whilst students are still at school.

“Successful completion of the course will result in an industry recognised award, Performing Engineering Operations, and rewarded with the guarantee of an interview for apprenticeship opportunities across our employer network and partners.

Making a visit to the workshops to meet the students, Inverclyde’s Provost, Robert Moran, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Owen and Ryan to build their experience with one of Inverclyde and Scotland’s important employers.

“I’m delighted that, with the Trust coordinating on the council’s behalf, we can support young people from Inverclyde to work with employers like CalMac offering real opportunities in the sector.”

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

A perfect opportunity to find out more about apprenticeships Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is supporting the first ever Scottish Apprenticeship Shows which are taking place in October this year.

The events, run by the Daily Record and Sunday Mail (Media Scotland), will give

More and more young people are choosing apprenticeships and work-based learning to get their careers off to a great start Katie Hutton, SDS Director of National Training Programmes

young people the opportunity to talk with employers in a range of sectors, including engineering, retail and media.

SDS Director of National Training Programmes, Katie Hutton, said: “More and more young people are choosing apprenticeships and work-based learning to get their careers off to a great start.

“The Scottish Apprenticeship Show will offer hands-on insight into what an apprenticeship could offer.

“There will be all the information and advice about apprenticeships that young people and parents need, both from apprentice employers and Skills Development Scotland.”

Along with the information available at the events, there will be different interactive zones and exhibitions so that visitors can experience hands-on activities.

In the automotive area, sponsored by Arnold Clark, young Scots will be able to work on a car engine amongst other activities.

Modern Apprenticeships are jobs where young people can work, learn and earn to gain industry-recognised qualifications. An apprenticeship can be for new recruits or existing employees.

Foundation Apprenticeships are for S4 and S5 pupils who want to get a head start in their career while they are still at school.

Young people can get their careers off to a great start across a wide range of jobs with an apprenticeship, whether they begin theirs at school or once they have left.

The shows are taking place in Glasgow and Edinburgh this October. In Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall from Sunday 9th to Tuesday 11th and at the EICC in Edinburgh from Thursday 13th to Friday 14th.

Find out about the Scottish Apprenticeship Shows online at www.scottishapprenticeshipshow.co.uk Visit www.apprenticeships.scot for more on apprenticeships.

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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.

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

Research, Innovation and Technology Seminar Series launches this August at the AGB Centre @ Moray College UHI. The AGB Centre is delighted to host some of the most experienced and distinguished professionals working in the field of life science and digital health as part of a new and exciting seminar series. The monthly twilight seminars will run from August 2016 to March 2017 for more information about the speakers and how to book your place visit: www.moray.uhi.ac.uk/agbc

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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JAGUAR XE R-SPORT FROM £259 A MONTH +VAT*

SATISFY THE DRIVER IN YOU AND THE ECONOMIST The Jaguar XE is a truly accomplished sports saloon. On the road it offers outstanding performance, with Jaguar’s signature ride and handling delivering an exceptional drive. On efficiency the XE is equally seductive, with excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

Business Contract Hire. Initial rental in advance of £1,554 +VAT. 36 month term. 10,000 miles per annum. VAT payable at 20%. Model pictured above (including optional metallic paint and optional alloy wheels) from £283 a month +VAT, plus initial rental in advance of £1,698 +VAT. PENTLAND JAGUAR 107 GLASGOW ROAD, EDINBURGH, EH12 8LH 0131 341 5844 168 DUNKELD ROAD, PERTH, PH1 5AE 01738 480 158 WWW.PENTLANDJAGUAR.CO.UK

Official fuel consumption for the Jaguar XE range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 24.4-64.2 (11.6-4.4); Extra Urban 46.3-83.1 (6.1-3.4); Combined 34.9-75.0 (8.1-3.8). CO2 Emissions 194-99 (g/km). Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only.

Real world figures may differ. *Important Information - Business users only. Based on an XE Saloon 2.0D 180PS R-Sport 4dr Manual 17 standard specification, non-maintained. Excess mileage charges (at 9.7p per mile +VAT).

Must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Contract Hire subject to status. This promotion cannot be used together with other manufacturer’s promotions and is subject to availability at participating Retailers only for new vehicles registered by 30th September 2016. Contract Hire is provided by Jaguar Contract Hire, a trading style of Lex Autolease Limited, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport SK3 0RB. Model shown is an XE Saloon 2.0D 180PS R-Sport with optional Italian Racing Red metallic paint and optional 19" Star 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels.

The new BMW 7 Series

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES. DRIVING LUXURY

BMW 730d SALOON AUTO. MONTHLY RENTALS FROM £499 (PLUS £2,996 INITIAL RENTAL*).

The new BMW 7 Series ushers in an entirely new level of technology and exquisite engineering that truly asserts it as the most innovative luxury car in its class. A Carbon Core ensures optimal performance, economy and vehicle agility. With CO2 emissions on the BMW 730d model from just 124g/ km and fuel economy of up to 60.1mpg, this model offers attainable luxury for your fleet.

Innovative technology includes: • Larger Head-Up Display • Gesture Control • Rear-seat Entertainment Experience with BMW Touch Command • Driving Assistant • BMW Laserlights • Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System • BMW Display Key

Hamilton Bothwell Road ML3 0AY 01698 303700

Glasgow Kyle Street G4 0HP 0141 333 0088

Stirling New Kerse Road FK7 7RZ 01786 474477 (formerly Menzies)

douglasparkbmw.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 7 Series range: Urban 29.1-51.4mpg (9.7-5.5l/100km).

Extra Urban 51.4-67.3mpg (5.5-4.2l/100km). Combined 40.4-60.1mpg (7.0-4.7l/100km). CO2 emissions 164-124g/km.

Park’s of Hamilton (Holdings) Limited is a credit broker. *Business users only. Plus £2,996.94 initial rental. Price shown excludes VAT at 20% and is for a 24 month Business Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 730d Saloon 3.0 Auto with an annual contract mileage of 8,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 27.81p per mile. Applies to new vehicles ordered between 01/08/16 and 30/09/16 and registered by 31/12/16 (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 Ltd, trading as Douglas Park 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.

LAW AT WORK

Can Employers ban Hijabs in the Workplace?

Following on from the controversial comments by the ex-editor of The Sun, Kelvin MacKenzie, in relation to a news presenter wearing a hijab, we have guidance from the European Court of Justice on whether and when an employer may ban Muslim employees from wearing Islamic head coverings in the workplace.

The ECJ has been asked to rule on a ban imposed by a French company on an employee wearing a hijab when visiting clients. The ban was imposed after a client complained when an employee visited their premises wearing a hijab.

In a preliminary opinion, the Court concluded that such a ban would only be lawful if based on a genuine occupational requirement and was no more than what was absolutely necessary to undertake the work in question, which was not the case here.

The opinion is advisory, and the Court could take a different view at a full hearing. However, even if a ban had been justified in this case, it would have been unlikely to significantly change the position under UK law. The ‘genuine occupational requirement’ defence here is narrowly defined and can only be utilised in

exceptional circumstances; e.g. for reasons of decency, or authenticity e.g. waiters at a Chinese restaurant.

That is not to say that there are never circumstances where an employer might not legitimately object to employees wearing religious clothing or head coverings. Recent examples where this has been held justified include a nursery objecting to a Muslim employee wearing a full length jilbab considered a tripping hazard, and a teacher prevented from wearing a full veil where this impacted on her interaction with students. What the defence does not cover, however, is a ban based upon the objections of clients or a general prohibition on any religious symbols or clothing in the workplace.”

Contact details: Donald.mackinnon@lawatwork.co.uk 0141 271 5555

Inertia.

Isn’t it time to question why your business continues to put up with your existing employment lawyer charging eye-watering sums of money to provide fuzzy and non-committal advice when an equally qualified, more engaged and cost effective provider is out there? Hell yes, it’s time. lawatwork.co.uk

To find out how we are disrupting the market with expert, value for money advice, email info@lawatwork.co.uk or call 0141 271 5555 to arrange an appointment.

Artwork Client: LAW

Doc: 1-00101814.002 LAW Inertia Business Scot Mag (120x185) AW

Project: Brand Campaign

Size: (120)mm x (185)mm

A/C: Julie

CMYK

Date: 01.08.16

Version: 1

AW: RB

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OPEN CRM

Why the “My Way or the Highway” approach works When you’re the boss and the buck stops with you, it’s unsurprising that you’ve got some very clear ideas about how your business should be run. This vision will involve the big goals, the long term plan of how to achieve them, and even the little tasks that make up the long term plan. You know exactly how you want each step of your vision to be executed—nothing wrong with that.

That approach, the idea that the people in your company should do things as you’ve envisaged them, is known as “My Way or the Highway” and is often seen as an overly aggressive or even negative management technique.

But it works. And it doesn’t have to be negative or aggressive. You can get your way without having to show anyone the highway.

If everyone knows your plan, they’re all focused on the same goal. When people know the process they’re supposed to be using and stick to it, all work is carried out consistently and to the high standard you (and your customers) expect.

So how do you make sure your plan is clearly communicated and your processes are unmistakably outlined without coming across as a tyrant? Two simple things: Communication and Collaboration.

1. Communication I’ve personally found that sitting down regularly with my department heads (and larger groups in more occasional meetings) to explain my general plan and vision for OpenCRM gives them an insight into how their roles and projects fit into these bigger goals.

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They can then pass on the relevant information to their teams, giving everyone the knowledge that what they’re doing fits into a bigger journey.

When people know that they’re working to a plan, rather than just plodding along, they’re much more likely to view their own part of that process in a positive way.

Especially if the tasks they’re doing have been engineered in a way that is productive in terms of the overall plan and practical for their day-to-day job…and that’s where the second step comes in.

2. Collaboration In order to achieve the various goals you have for your company, you will undoubtedly have a clear idea of how the individual steps should be carried out by your team.

When I have a new process I’d like to introduce, the first thing I do is document my thoughts as clearly as possible. I then liaise with my team leaders to ensure that they agree with this process I’ve set out.

Sound odd for a “My Way or the Highway” approach? Yes. But after all, they are the ones on the ground and will be expected to sense check and deliver the objectives.

If they do find one (or more) issues with my logic, revising my process plan doesn’t change the fact that the job will get done the way I want it to, it means that it can now proceed in a more practical and informed way.

But what if someone doesn’t like your plan at all?

There is always the possibility that someone will entirely disagree with my plan, either for the company or the process. This is where

the “My Way or the Highway” approach can take an ugly turn if you’re not careful.

I personally have found that taking the time to listen to their concerns and opinions about my vision does wonders. If two people are able to discuss their disagreement, one can either persuade each other to their own opinion or at least make it clear that the other person’s voice has been heard.

In the past, when I’ve had an employee who strongly disagrees with my vision for the company, once they know that their opinion has been heard and potentially hear further details behind my reasoning, they’re far more likely to go along with my plan.

They know that “My Way” isn’t about being tyrannical, it’s about having a focused vision for the company. They also know that I’m not so precious about my vision that I can’t hear other opinions about it, I am always openminded when I hear a good idea.

The “My Way or the Highway” approach works because it gives your company clear direction and method, but that only works if both the plan and the participants are well informed.

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

SURF ALL THE WAY TO

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SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Improving employee productivity

Working longer hours is rarely the answer to increased output. As companies look to improve their bottom line margins, the key is to get people working more efficiently and effectively. Find out how to improve employee productivity and keep your team motivated.

If employees are able to use resources intelligently – both in terms of time and money – they can do their jobs faster, more accurately and with an improved end product. This can help keep both business leaders and customers happy, while providing intrinsic reward for the workers themselves – satisfaction in a job well done.

Embrace remote working

But what specifically can your company do to maximise the potential of your workforce?

Here are a few initial suggestions:

Allowing employees to work from home or another off-site location can boost their morale, as they may be able to spend more time with the family. It can also allow them to make better use of the full working day, particularly if they normally engage in a lengthy commute. People who do not spend an hour travelling into and out of work every day may be more willing to work early mornings and evenings – or even weekends – if needs be to get their work finished.

Hire effectively

Use mobile technology

Businesses can use a variety of techniques and technologies to improve worker efficiency. Automating tasks, reducing travel time and offering greater flexibility and freedom of choice can potentially boost productivity in this sense.

Some people are born to work, while others try and get by doing the bare minimum. Your recruitment processes should allow the former to come to the fore, while identifying the latter, enabling you to steer clear. You should be looking for people with a positive approach to work, and a willingness to function as part of a team.

Offer employee rewards Providing the right level of remuneration is important – this keeps workers motivated in their jobs and also eager to stay with the organisation. Every time a skilled person leaves, it hurts the business as they

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need replacing with an untrained recruit.

However, the company must be able to afford pay and benefits – it’s no use offering jawdropping salaries and other incentives if the business is already in the red.

The use of connected mobile solutions such as smartphones and media tablets allows employees to keep working while they are away from the office. If they are on a bus or train, or away on a business trip, it is possible to access files and documents online and continue working. With Wi-Fi and mobile broadband networks now covering most of Britain, there are fewer locations where it is impossible to get online.

Modernise your IT Employees need to have access to laptops and PCs – or mobile solutions where appropriate – which offer the latest tools

and online solutions. With more businesses moving functions to the cloud, your firm’s hardware must be able to cope. Employees who are sat waiting ten minutes for their PC to boot up in the morning are not productive workers. Upgrading your operating systems to support modern work styles can be crucial in this sense.

Promote team working Often, employees who collaborate and work together effectively are the most productive members of staff. The ability to bounce ideas off one another, and offer different viewpoints on particular tasks, can lead to improved overall results. The use of online productivity suites such as Office 365 can help in this regard – different individuals can work simultaneously on the same documents, and share their contributions in real-time.

Get more ideas from The Official Microsoft Blog: https://blogs.microsoft.com/work/

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.

CAITHNESS BUSINESS SELF CATERING - SERVICED APARTMENTS AND HOUSES IN WICK

High quality, serviced business accomodation for engineers & construction professionals www.visit-wick.co.uk e: duncorann@sky.com Call now for a tailored quote:

Tel: 01955 603500 Mob: 07879 641333 Duncorann House, 37-38 Bank Row, Wick KW1 5EY

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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 interest-free 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 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

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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

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Discounted fare only available when paying by VISA Electron or VISA Debit Card.

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

Mitsubishi Electric supporting West Lothian Livingston based Mitsubishi Electric Air-Conditioning Systems Europe continues to invest in West Lothian’s future workforce by introducing and educating young people in renewable air to water heat pump technology and possible career opportunities.

The company’s world-class R&D facility includes two highly-instrumented test houses for the development of a new range of renewable air to water heat pumps.

Currently employing over 850 people, the company, recognised as a leader in Lean manufacturing and environmental management, has seen an increase in production to respond to demands of the European markets.

The hugely successful Mitsubishi Electric, “Pump It Up” Challenge, a joint venture with West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, was launched in 2014 with Armadale Academy, and then rolled out to all 11 West Lothian secondary schools in 2015, continuing in 2016. Aimed at encouraging budding engineers to take part in the special design and innovation challenge, the Pump It Up competition intends to help pupils develop a better understanding of the science and technology involved in renewable energy.

Linda Scott, CEO for West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, said: “This competition is all about encouraging Scotland’s younger generation to think outside the box and come up with clever and innovative ideas that give them a greater understanding of technology and engineering.

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

“It was fantastic to see so many pupils take part in this year’s event and we were all very impressed by the creative ideas that were presented to the judges.”

Rodney Ayre, Senior Department Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Air conditioning Systems Europe Ltd, said: “This challenge cements the bond between Mitsubishi Electric and Schools in West Lothian where 85% of all its employees are based. We are keen to develop the workforce of the future and ensure students get first-hand experience of manufacturing, environmental activities and innovative renewable technologies. This activity demonstrates Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to Scotland and the local community.”

This year’s finalists pitched their ideas to special panel of judges at Howden Park Centre in June, attendees included Mr. Matsunaga, Consulate General of Japan, Ishigami Rumiko Deputy Consulate General of Japan, local MSP Angela Constance, MSP

Fiona Hislop, Provost Tom Kerr, Mr. Yoshihiro Sumida, President of the Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning System, and other senior representatives from the public and private sector.

With over 2,000 pupils from all 11 schools having competed for a spot in the 2016 final, it was Armadale Academy who took the top spot, with Inveralmond Community High School coming in second and James Young Academy taking third place. All finalists from the eleven secondary schools impressed the judges and guests at the finals ceremony on 13th June 2016, well done to them all.

WINNER Digital Business of the Year

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COVER STORY – NEWLANDS JUNIOR COLLEGE

Reaching a positive destination

Conor Payling, Kenny McDonald (teacher) and Paul Simpson carrying out experiments in Physics

Although there have been some recent enhancements to the education system such as the Wood Commission introducing some vocational options with colleges, I firmly believe that there is a significant group of young people currently falling out of the education system at the age of 14. Approximately 6 years ago I started to investigate the cause of this problem and realised that this issue is not only prevalent in Scotland, but also in the UK and further afield.

Jim McColl

Founder & CEO, Clyde Blowers Capital

With this in mind, I founded Newlands Junior College (NJC) with the purpose of taking 14 year olds from local secondary schools in Glasgow who were disengaged in the education system and at risk of dropping out altogether. These young people are talented individuals but they need to be engaged in a different way. I believe it’s our job to find out what their particular talent is and to encourage them to develop it.

At NJC we give the young people the support required in order to reach a positive destination, whether it be in the form of further education or as an apprenticeship.

Our unique college provides academic education in the form of English, maths, science and IT, but also offers an option of 9 vocational courses of which the students will choose three. The courses are offered by the City of Glasgow College which allows the students to transition into a college course once they have completed S4. The classes at the college help to boost their self confidence, as they never saw themselves as being capable of studying at the level of higher education.

The third and vital pillar of NJC is life skills which promotes confidence and motivation

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through Outward Bound initiatives. This forms a key part of the NJC curriculum as we can work on the students’ self-worth to convince them that they can achieve their goals with the right attitude and application.

Of course It’s not all been smooth sailing with the students – there have been some challenging moments. However, the relaxed and supportive environment at the college allows the students to work through any problems they may have and the staff additionally give them one-to-one support when required.

Furthermore, a number of local businesses now sponsor the students meaning that crucially these young people will be guaranteed an apprenticeship upon completion at NJC. It gave me an enormous sense of satisfaction when on June 22, all 20 students from the first NJC intake graduated with a combination of academic, vocational and personal development qualifications.

The change we have seen in these young people is fantastic. They have engaged fully with education and have learnt valuable vocational skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their working careers.

Most importantly, they are all headed for an apprenticeship or will continue their studies in further education which is testament to the hard work of the staff at NJC. I have watched their development over the past two years and I’m incredibly proud of their application, hard work and achievements.

It gave me an enormous sense of satisfaction when on June 22, all 20 students from the first NJC intake graduated with a combination of academic, vocational and personal development qualifications.

COVER STORY – NEWLANDS JUNIOR COLLEGE

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COVER STORY – NEWLANDS JUNIOR COLLEGE

L-R Megan O’Hara, Robbie Dalziel, Victoria Rose (teacher), Liam Lawson and Edward Pert utilise the open space during an English session.

What the staff say…

Graham Robertson “I have been working in Education for more than 26 years. I came into teaching because I believed that learning can change lives. I’ve seen that belief borne out on a number of occasions but never more so than since joining Newlands Junior College. NJC caters for the percentage of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds who deserve a better future.

I’ve met young people whose lives have been blighted by personal tragedy who have become angry and belligerent. I’ve also seen the same young people blossom into positive students, capable of sitting the highest of academic qualifications and moving into real employment. I’ve seen a young man full of potential that the system had labelled as a challenge who had come to view authority as “the enemy” and, over the course of a year in NJC find out that there are adults who are interested in them and equipped to support them into positive destinations.

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What Newlands Junior College does best is to treat students as individuals and to work with them to foster self belief and self confidence – to empower young people with a positive world view and to give them the tools to succeed. One of our students showed his entrepreneurial skills to make a bit of spare cash on the side – he did what he was good at; working outdoors and mowing people’s lawns. Newlands Junior College have now capitalized on that initiative and secured a job for that student with Land Engineering.

It’s easy for me to say that Newlands Junior College is the most rewarding place I have ever worked. That reward comes from seeing young people’s lives change for the better. Is there any better outcome?”

Douglas Clark “The appeal of NJC for me was to work with the type of students for whom mainstream comprehensive schooling hadn’t worked. It’s the relationships that we were able to build with the students that have been the key to our success in getting them to a positive destination.

Whilst our physical environment and IT provision is ‘state of the art’ at NJC, without these relationships, it would all have been worthless.

It has been gratifying to work with the young people, watching them arrive typically as demotivated, unhappy and with little idea of what their futures might hold, with no awareness of their own ability to becoming happy, determined and workready young people. It has been a privilege to watch them grow and it’s helping them on this journey that motivates me at NJC everyday. Watching from the side as they make their way beyond our doors is the next exciting chapter for myself and the rest of the staff at NJC.”

COVER STORY – NEWLANDS JUNIOR COLLEGE

What the students say…

Megan Lynch “Before I came to NJC, I was really struggling in school. I didn’t like many classes and I didn’t like many teachers.

I don’t think many of my teachers liked having me in my class and I was in trouble quite a bit. My guidance teacher spoke to me about NJC and the possibility of going there. I thought they just wanted rid of me, but when I saw Newlands, it just looked amazing.

It was tough when I started. There was lots of work to do, college courses to go to and Outward Bound experiences.

This was new to me and it challenged me quite a bit, but the staff were really different from school. The teachers listened to me and for once I felt like my opinion mattered.

I started to believe I could be a success – achieving my academic qualifications and pushing myself. I didn’t think learning was for me a couple of years ago, but now I’m going to college to study and I can’t wait to get stuck in. I am determined to be successful now.”

Chris Baillie “I was a bit of a dodgy character at my old school. I know they were pleased to see the back of me when I went to Newlands. I misbehaved in classes I wasn’t interested in and I didn’t get enough of the classes I was interested in. Some of my teachers just didn’t seem that interested in me.

When I went to Newlands, it took me a while to realise that I needed a kick up the backside. Now I know what I have to do to be successful, after getting my head down and taking things seriously, I’ve achieved what I couldn’t have in my old school.

I’ve worked hard at Newlands Junior College and after passing all my qualifications, I’m looking forward to starting my apprenticeship with Ferguson Marine.”

Conor Payling and Paul Simpson in Science

It was tough when I started. There was lots of work to do, college courses to go to and Outward Bound experiences. This was new to me and it challenged me quite a bit, but the staff were really different from school.

The teachers listened to me and for once I felt like my opinion mattered.

Megan Lynch

Get Involved & Support Newlands Junior College Visit our Website: www.newlandsjuniorcollege.org.uk Contact the School: lmckenzie@newlandsjuniorcollege.org.uk Follow us on Facebook & Twitter!

William Thomson, Victoria Rose (teacher) and Robbie Dalziel finalising folio pieces for Higher English.

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Choosing an independent education for your child

As a parent, it’s natural to want to give your child every opportunity to discover what they’re good at and what they love doing in a safe and supportive environment. Which is why, in Scotland we are very fortunate. We have a wide range of first-rate independent schools to choose from. So whether you have a tech-loving future internet entrepreneur on your hands, or a child who craves hours of fresh air and exercise every day, Scotland’s independent schools can offer you the freedom to find the right educational environment for your son or daughter.

You have a choice of: n Single sex or co-educational schools n Large and small schools in both urban and countryside settings n Day schools, boarding schools and those who offer both n Schools equipped to deal with Complex Additional Support Needs

A healthy and diverse mix of backgrounds Scotland has always placed great value on education, and today more than 30,000 children and young people attend an independent school. Over 25% of pupils received financial assistance with fees in 2015-16, while nearly a third of boarders came from overseas.

The healthy mix of abilities and backgrounds that abound are as varied as the personalities of the children themselves.

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Altogether making for a vibrant and modern community that mirrors the real world and will serve your child well for the future.

The independent school advantage When children are young we often wonder what the future will hold. Will they be musical? Will they be academic? Who will they choose as their friends? Scotland’s independent schools are set up to give your child every opportunity both inside and outside the classroom.

The schools’ reputation for academic excellence is an obvious attraction for many parents. Smaller pupil/teacher ratios and significant investment in modern, stimulating teaching facilities attracts the highest calibre of teaching staff capable of igniting a passion for the subjects they teach.

Born digital natives, most children and young people today want to feel stretched, challenged and inspired by new technology.

While the imposing architecture of some school buildings might give off an air of Hogwarts, once inside it’s definitely more ipad Air and the magic of cloud computing.

Boarding Scotland’s boarding schools offer something unique; a breadth and depth of education that is as rich as the landscape and culture

it’s set in. Scotland is also one of the safest and friendliest places in the world to study.

The schools have an enviable record for success. Combine this with an adventure-packed landscape to both explore and study, and it’s easy to see why Scotland remains such a popular choice. For more information about boarding in Scotland visit www.scotlandsboardingschools.org.uk.

See for yourself All schools welcome visits from prospective families throughout the year. Look out for details of Open Days on the school’s website, or alternatively ask for an appointment where staff will be delighted to show you round, give you a feel for life at the school and answer any questions you may have.

For more information, advice and guidance on choosing an independent school in Scotland visit the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) website at: www.scis.org.uk 0131 556 2316 info@scis.org.uk

WELLINGTON SCHOOL

An Opportunity for Life at Wellington School Wellington School, Ayr is an independent day school for girls and boys between the ages of 3 and 18 years with a focus on realising the full potential of every child in a warm and friendly environment. Consisting of three impressive turreted B Listed buildings, overlooking the sea and adjacent to the broad expanse of Ayr’s Low Green, Wellington offers children the best possible start in life through excellent teaching, high quality pastoral care and a rich choice of extra-curricular activities.

The school has an excellent academic record at Higher and Advanced Higher levels and almost all pupils go on to a university of their choice.

Small class sizes are an excellent base from which pupils choose 8 subjects to study in S3 and S4, whilst 18 subjects are offered at both Higher and Advanced Higher levels. Wellington school prides itself on the smooth transition between the Junior and Secondary stages and special arrangements for P7 Remove allow pupils to spend almost half their week with specialist Senior School teachers.

Putting a strong emphasis on the individual, the success of the school is not wholly academic.

Wellington has nurtured Scottish international representatives in a range of sports, including hockey, rugby and curling. With its own playing fields and pavilion, the school has a long tradition of sporting excellence and a recent partnership with Ayr Rugby Football Club is producing outstanding results. This year, the Ayr Wellington U18 and U16 teams both competed in the National Youth League Cup Finals at Murrayfield, and the U16 side emerged as National Youth Champions.

Perhaps these results are not surprising considering that the Club is renowned for its impressive match record, that it boasts one of the largest youth training centres in Scotland and that Wellington, in its own right, has a consistently strong reputation at all levels.

The ingredients of a winning partnership were obviously there from the start!

Some of the most enriching and rewarding experiences in life come from skills and interests for which we developed a passion when we were at school. Wellington School recognises that education goes beyond the classroom and consequently, every child is

given the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities that stimulate their creativity and curiosity, and enable them to grow in confidence and develop as young people. Pupils may not be examined in all of these areas, but by striving to provide its pupils with exposure to a wide range of extracurricular activities, Wellington gives them an outlet to shine.

This is particularly evident in the performing arts - from dance, music production, acting, stage design, singing and recitation to playing musical instruments in the school’s orchestras, the talent of boys and girls is nurtured from the youngest primary years right through to the end of senior school.

Pupils hold prestigious awards both locally and nationally in art and music and the school is fortunate to count two former pupils as classical musicians of global renown.

Wellington has held International School status since 2010. Awarded by the British Council, this accolade recognises the school’s efforts in bringing the wider world into the classroom. Embedding international education across all subjects and stages is a high priority at Wellington, and a successful partnership programme with a school in Jaipur, India gives a flavour of what is available to pupils. Regular pupil exchanges

to European countries (as part of the ERASMUS programme) provide an enriching experience for participants. As well as having a great reputation for international education, Wellington provides outdoor experiences at all levels, from the youngest children who attend its popular and thriving Outdoor Nursery to the many senior pupils who participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme.

Visitors are always given a warm welcome at Wellington and staff are happy to discuss how your child could benefit from an independent education in Ayrshire. As a registered charity, Wellington School provides a number of means-tested bursaries to applicants at any stage. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Registrar, Mrs Marian Dunlop, on 01292 269321 or info@ wellingtonschool.org.

Experience Wellington for yourself at the Open Events on the 4th and 5th of October, 2016 (no appointment necessary). Please contact the school or see local press for further details.

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CHAMBER NEWS

A unique education, [OH[ THRLZ H YLHS KPɈLYLUJL

At Craigholme School, every girl is treated and valued as an individual, giving them every opportunity to grow and achieve, not just academically, but across sports, music and the arts.

The only independent girls’ school in the West of Scotland, we have 120 years’ experience educating girls from all walks of life. Our smaller class sizes and ZPUNSL ZL_ LK\JH[PVUHS HWWYVHJO TLHU ^L JHU VɈLY SLHYUPUN [OH[ PZ [Y\S` tailored to your daughter’s needs.

GUIDING GIRLS TO GREATNESS

It’s widely recognised that girls acquire certain competencies earlier than boys, and our school is perfectly placed to capitalise on that. Research also shows that a greater percentage of pupils from girls’ schools continue to higher education compared with girls from coeducational schools. *YHPNOVSTL VɈLYZ H JV VWLYH[P]L LU]PYVUTLU[ YH[OLY [OHU H JVTWL[P[P]L VUL I\PSKPUN JVUÄKLUJL HUK HZZLY[P]LULZZ ^P[OV\[ KPZ[YHJ[PVU HUK OLSWPUN V\Y NPYSZ [V ZOHWL HUK ]VPJL [OLPY V^U VWPUPVUZ BIGGER ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER

0U H *YHPNOVSTL JSHZZYVVT UV OHUK NVLZ \UZLLU HUK UV ]VPJL \UOLHYK >P[O HU H]LYHNL JSHZZ ZPaL VM Q\Z[ H[ IV[O 1\UPVY HUK :LUPVY SL]LS V\Y [LHJOLYZ JHU VɈLY OPNO PU]VS]LTLU[ ZLTPUHY Z[`SL [LHJOPUN methods. They are also able to spend more one-on-one time with pupils, as well as planning and marking work.

¸(JYVZZ [OL U\YZLY` HUK ZJOVVS Z[HɈ OH]L H JSLHY ZLUZL VM KPYLJ[PVU HUK OH]L H Z[YVUN MVJ\Z VU LUZ\YPUN JOPSKYLU HUK `V\UN WLVWSL HJOPL]L HSS [OH[ [OL` JHU ([[HPUTLU[ PU UH[PVUHS X\HSPÄJH[PVUZ PU : [V : PZ ]LY` Z[YVUN ¹ /4 0UZWLJ[VY ,K\JH[PVU :JV[SHUK EXAM RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

Exams results at Craigholme are among the best in the country. This year our S5 girls achieved an excellent pass rate of 97.1%, an outstanding 84.6% of these were A and B grade. 20% of our girls in the S5 year group attained 5 A’s. Across all Higher courses, 11 subjects achieved an impressive pass rate of 100%, similarly at Advanced Higher, 5 subjects achieved a 100% pass rate

AN INSTRUMENTAL EDUCATION

>L YLJVNUPZL [OL PTWVY[HUJL VM T\ZPJ UV[ VUS` PU [OL KL]LSVWTLU[ VM social and emotional skills, but the impact choral singing and playing H T\ZPJHS PUZ[Y\TLU[ JHU OH]L VU HJHKLTPJ KL]LSVWTLU[ ;OLYLMVYL JOVYHS ZPUNPUN HUK PUZ[Y\TLU[HS [\P[PVU PZ KL]LSVWLK MYVT U\YZLY` [OYV\NO [V ZP_[O MVYT HUK L]LY` W\WPS PZ NP]LU [OL VWWVY[\UP[` [V WHY[PJPWH[L PU VUL VM JOVPYZ HUK PUZ[Y\TLU[HS LUZLTISLZ IV[O ^P[OPU the wider community as well as the international platform.

(STVZ[ VM W\WPSZ YLJLP]L [\P[PVU VU VUL VY TVYL PUZ[Y\TLU[Z HUK ZPUJL ZVTL VM V\Y NPYSZ OH]L HJOPL]LK Z\JJLZZ PU ;YPUP[` *VSSLNL HUK (ZZVJPH[LK )VHYK T\ZPJ L_HTZ ^P[O WHZZ YH[L » LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACHIEVEMENT!

;OL LTWOHZPZ VM V\Y :LUPVY +YHTH *S\I PZ [V MVZ[LY JYLH[P]P[` JV VWLYH[PVU HUK JVUÄKLUJL >VYRPUN ^P[O [OL 5H[PVUHS ;OLH[YL Connections Programme, we performed at the Lyceum Theatre in ,KPUI\YNO ;OL 1\UPVY +YHTH *S\I ^VYRZ ^P[O [OL :OHRLZWLHYL -LZ[P]HS WLYMVYTPUN PU H .SHZNV^ [OLH[YL HSVUNZPKL [^V V[OLY participating groups.

OUR WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES

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In S4, our girls accomplished a first rate performance with a 94% pass rate, 83% of these were passes at A or B grade, with 23% of the year group achieving a notable 8 A Grades. At National 5 level, 12 subjects had an impressive 100% pass rate.

LEADERS IN – AND ON – THE FIELD

:WVY[Z WSH` H RL` YVSL H[ *YHPNOVSTL PU [LYTZ VM KL]LSVWPUN ZVJPHS ZRPSSZ PTWYV]PUN Ä[ULZZ HUK VM JV\YZL OH]PUN M\U 6\Y TVKLYU ZWVY[Z complex in Pollok Country Park boasts an indoor climbing wall, dance studio, all-weather astroturf pitch and a large hall for court sports. ;OPZ `LHY V\Y :LUPVY OVJRL` NPYSZ [YP\TWOLK PU [OL )7 *\W HUK [OL >LZ[ VM :JV[SHUK :JOVVSZ» 0UKVVY *OHTWPVUZOPWZ 4LHU^OPSL [OL 1\UPVY :JOVVS L_JLSSLK PU JYVZZ JV\U[Y` Y\UUPUN ^P[O V\Y 1\UPVY NPYSZ [HRPUN [LHT ZPS]LY H[ [OL HUU\HS :JV[[PZO 7YPTHY` :JOVVSZ» Cross Country Championships.

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CAN YOU PICTURE YOUR DAUGHTER AT CRAIGHOLME? -VY TVYL PUMVYTH[PVU JVU[HJ[ [OL (KTPZZPVUZ :LJYL[HY` on 0141 419 0965 or email admissions@craigholme.co.uk

HIGH SCHOOL OF GLASGOW

The High School of Glasgow is an independent co-educational day school of around 1,400 pupils between the age of 3 and 18 The Junior School is situated in Bearsden around a refurbished and modernised Victorian building to which attractive extensions have been added.

The Senior School is housed in modern, purpose-built accommodation at Anniesland on the north-western outskirts of the city of Glasgow beside extensive playing fields comprising two artificial pitches for hockey and tennis, one of which is water-based.

Both Schools are easily accessible with good bus and train services.

At the High School we recognise the individuality of each and every one of our pupils and encourage all in our community to appreciate the qualities of others. Our pupils’ performances in national examinations have been consistently amongst the very best in Scotland for many years and we are

committed to maintaining these excellent academic standards. We also achieve considerable success in a wide range of sports at national and district levels with teams competing regularly against other schools. Music plays a vital role in the School’s life both within the curriculum and an an extra-curricular activity. We encourage each pupil to achieve his or her full potential.

The School has a Christian background and seeks to foster traditional standards and values, and a concern for others. Over the years we have developed an ethos in which pupils of any religious persuasion benefit from the atmosphere of mutual tolerance and respect.

The aim of the School is to create a happy, caring and nurturing community in which each individual can achieve his or her full potential both academically and socially.

Pupils are encouraged to pursue excellence in all their activities. We are committed to providing an all-round education in which the Arts, Sport and other extra-curricular activities play a vital role.

Our main entry points are: Junior School: Kindergarten and Junior 1 After School and holiday care is available.

Senior School: Transitus (P7) and 1st Year Bursaries are available.

www.highschoolofglasgow.co.uk The High School of Glasgow Ltd. Registered Charity No. SCO14768

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HIGH SCHOOL OF DUNDEE

Real curriculum, real excellence - from age 3 to 18 In 2015, the High School of Dundee recorded the best exam results for Highers in Dundee, Angus and Fife with our S5 pupils achieving a pass rate of 95% and an average of nearly 4 ½ Highers each.

Equipped with results like these, every year our pupils head for the top Scottish universities and beyond. In 2015, 40% of our leavers went on to study subjects relating to Law, Medicine and Medical Sciences, and Business, with others taking up courses in Engineering, the Sciences, Languages and more.

But exam success is not the be all and end all. The School’s focus is on giving each pupil all the support and encouragement they need to achieve their full potential.

Our Integrated Curriculum therefore brings together the academic, the co-curricular and pupil health and wellbeing to provide a coordinated, genuine all-round education with the pupil at the heart.

In the primary years children receive subject specialist teaching in Science, Modern Languages, ICT, Art, Music, Drama, PE and

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Home Economics. This provides a real head start. And when they get to S5, our pupils are able to choose from 26 subjects at Higher level, truly opening up their options.

Our purpose-built nursery at Mayfield on Arbroath Road is open to all, from 7.30am to 6pm, 50 weeks of the year, and is led by an experienced Early Years teacher.

Means-tested financial assistance is available in the Senior School and in P6 and P7 of the Junior School.

ROBERT GORDON’S COLLEGE

Robert Gordon’s College offers choice and opportunity Rooted in our over 250 years of history, Robert Gordon’s College offers choice and opportunity where specialist teaching and inter-disciplinary approaches to education prepare pupils for life, not just university.

What distinguishes Robert Gordon’s College is the belief that each pupil is unique and the school helps them to discover themselves via choice from an unparalleled range of subjects and activities.

ScientistsPlus, our Corporate Partner Programme, enables companies to support science education where pupils work with visiting scientists, technology advisors and industrial mentors on investigative work and research projects. £25 million has been invested in facilities.

International pupils gather at Robert Gordon’s for the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning Convention

Pupils have access to Junior School 360-degree classrooms, The Craig Centre for Performing Arts, The Wood Foundation Centre for Science and Technology (The UK’s largest school teaching facility for Science and Technology and regional centre of excellence), onsite swimming pool, and 39acre Countesswells Sports Fields.

realised through the successes of many of Scotland’s entrepreneurs who have gone on to have successful careers, establish leading businesses and are now helping to inspire the next generation.

Take the opportunity to learn more at: www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk

The impact of a Gordon’s education has been

Charity no. SC000123

Gordon’s pupils are part of a global, digital literate community and benefit from international opportunities with partners to provide knowledge sharing and pupil exchanges.

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THE GLASGOW ACADEMY

Your smartest investment!

OPENEVENTS EVENTS OPEN Wed55Oct Oct9.30 9.30--11.30am 11.30am Wed (Kelvinbridge;Nursery Nursery- -S6) S6) (Kelvinbridge: Tues11Nov Nov6.30 6.30--8.30pm 8.30pm Tues (Kelvinbridge;Nursery Nursery- -S6) S6) (Kelvinbridge: Tues Tues88Nov Nov9.30 6.30--11.30am 8.30pm (Dairsie: (Dairsie;Nursery Nursery--P4) S6) Wed Wed99Nov Nov9.30 6.30- -11.30am 8.30pm (TGA (TGAMilngavie: Milngavie;Nursery Nursery- -P4) S6)

“All our child’s teachers have been fantastic!”

An Academy Parent

For more information call Suzanne on 0141 342 5494 www.theglasgowacademy.org.uk

THE GLASGOW ACADEMY

Excellent results for Glasgow Academy Glasgow Academy recently conducted a survey of current parents’ opinions of all aspects of the school.

The results were overwhelmingly positive. Here are a few of their comments: “Nursery and Kindergarten at The Academy are a great introduction to school life.”

“You enable the children to be the best that they can be. Even from a young age you can see them grow in confidence with each term that passes.”

“The school is a ‘family’: everyone from Rector to office staff and student peers cares for each other.”

“Nurturing environment: young people are encouraged to discover their talents and build on this in a way that respects their different abilities and interests.”

“Very supportive, caring teachers who want the best for the kids and work extremely hard.”

Courses for young people and adults offering experiences and accreditation in: ✔ Automotive Mechanics ✔ Landscaping ✔ Bicycle Mechanics ✔ Sports & Recreation ✔ Construction Skills ✔ Hair & Beauty ✔ Employability ✔ Music and Sound Production ✔ Painting & Restoration ✔ Outdoor Education ✔ DIY skills Visit our new website for course information, locations and prices.

2016/2017

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

0141 404 2784 admin@mirrenpark.education facebook.com/mirrenparkschool

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@mirrenpark

www.mirrenpark.education

The Sunday Times top performing independent school for Highers & Advanced Highers 2015

OPEN DAY

Saturday 1st October 11am - 2pm Register by email, phone or on the day.

www.kilgraston.com

admissions@kilgraston.com - 01738 812 257 Kilgraston School - Bridge of Earn - Perth - PH2 9BQ

CHAMBER NEWS

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ST MARGARET’S SCHOOL

St Margaret’s School for Girls, Aberdeen Choosing a school for your daughter is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. At St Margaret’s we have specialised in girls’ education since 1846, and every aspect of our school’s provision is designed to meet the needs of girls at their different developmental stages.

We are proud of our heritage and excited about our future. Now in its 170th year, the school is enjoying a time of considerable development: a new science block and stateof-the-art drama and art facilities have just opened.

The only girls’ school in Aberdeen, St Margaret’s has around 400 pupils, ranging from 3 to 18. Our school is large enough to offer flexibility and choice in terms of the curriculum and extra-curricular activities, but small enough to ensure that each girl is well known within a friendly and family atmosphere.

St Margaret’s staff are experts in teaching girls and are committed to supporting each girl to be all she can be both inside and outside the classroom. Quite simply, with the support of our close knit community, St Margaret’s girls believe that they can achieve in every discipline, and they do!

In summary, at St Margaret’s: n We achieve outstanding academic results: in 2015 the pass rate (A-C) at Advanced Higher was 98%, the pass rate (A-C) at both Higher and National 5 was 96%. This led us to be placed by The Sunday Times as the highest ranking independent school in Aberdeen. n Girls have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in small classes.

n Girls are likely to study subjects they enjoy and at which they excel; there are no gender stereotypes to influence them. n Our leavers take up places at world renowned universities to study an impressive range of disciplines.

“Children and young people are very proud of their school. At all stages across the school and nursery, their behaviour and attitude to learning is outstanding. The school motto ‘tenez ferme’ is reflected in the commitment they demonstrate in their sporting achievements, high-quality musical and drama performances, and in how they demonstrate a positive approach to their learning.” (HMIE, 2015)

Why choose an all-girls’ school in 2016?

Extensive research shows that a single-sex education offers significant benefits and is very effective for girls, allowing them to excel in all areas of the curriculum. An all girls’ environment helps to create a sympathetic but challenging learning environment.

In girls’ schools across the country it has long been acknowledged that building confidence and self-esteem in girls is key to their success in the classroom, particularly with regard to the uptake of science and maths. The number of St Margaret’s girls pursuing STEM subjects at university continues to be high, and is in stark contrast with the figures released by EDF Energy in 2015, which showed a quarter of girls in Scotland aged between 11 and 16 do not think they are clever enough to become a scientist.

According to the Independent School Council’s Head of Research, Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, girls at Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) schools achieve a disproportionately large share of the top grades in sciences, maths and languages and are propping up these key subjects nationally. Girls at GSA schools are 75% more likely to take maths, 70% more likely to take chemistry and two and a half times as likely to take physics at examination level.

“There is absolutely no doubt that my time at St Margaret’s shaped the way I look at the world. The message that we could be whoever we wanted to be was always crystal clear, from 6 Junior right up to my final day in VI Senior.” (Recent leaver) If you are considering St Margaret’s for your daughter, it is important that you visit the school if at all possible. This will give you and your daughter an opportunity to meet with the Head and other members of staff and have a tour of our building and facilities. We would encourage you to come to our open mornings, but if this is not convenient then an individual tour of the school with the Head, Miss Anna Tomlinson, can be arranged. A visit to St Margaret’s is the best way to get a feel for the school and learn what life is like in this dynamic and supportive learning community.

To arrange a visit, please visit our website or contact our Admissions Office on +44 (0)1224 595188.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Ready-made pool of talent is on your doorstep

Universities in Scotland are responsible for producing some of the best and brightest talent in the UK, providing a rich pool of talent for Scottish businesses. And yet, while Edinburgh’s three universities produce over 30,000 talented graduates a year, six out of ten students decide to leave the city to find their first job. The statistics in Glasgow paint a similar picture, with 55% of students moving away after graduating.

Josh Graff

UK Country Manager, LinkedIn

Scottish firms looking for graduate hires shouldn’t be disheartened by these statistics, for while there is much talk of a ‘skills gap’, this shows that there is a huge opportunity for businesses to hire great employees who already live locally and know what Scotland has to offer.

To benefit from this, companies need to use their home advantage, and take proactive steps to ensure they are making themselves attractive to the talented graduates on their doorstep, before they leave town. They can do this by offering internships and work experience, empowering their existing team to be ambassadors for the company, and having a strong employer brand online to show what it’s really like to work for them.

Much has been written about millennials and how employers are adapting to get the most out of them, but before any contracts are

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signed businesses on the hunt for the talent should be mindful of the new generation’s approach to the job hunt.

Today’s students and graduates expect to engage potential employers in instant, authentic, two-way conversations just as they increasingly do with brands. If you want home-grown talent to take their first steps on the career ladder with your business, you need to reach out to them in the social world they now inhabit.

Smart people attract smart people Your current employees can open doors to great hires through their own real world and social networks. Millennials want to work for companies that they’ll feel proud to call their employer, and shared culture and values can be as important as salary and career prospects, these are best brought to life through your existing team.

Your employees are your best ambassadors Encouraging employees to actively promote their work activity and experiences on social media, on their profiles and in groups, or via updates from your company pages, is a great

way to show what it’s really like to work with you. Your team can also act as valuable advisers and mentors to people considering applying, or currently going through the recruitment process.

Don’t leave it too late Fewer and fewer students wait until their final year to make decisions about their future, so starting the conversation early is vital to creating an affinity with your company. This will attract candidates when they do start actively looking for roles.

Even if you don’t currently have a vacancy to fill, it’s worth taking the time to engage with people who you think might be a good fit for your organisation further down the line – whether it’s a summer placement programme, running a networking event, or having a presence at careers fairs.

This ready-made pool of talent that knows and loves Scotland is on your doorstep. Make sure that you open the door and invite them in, before they move on.

Josh Graff is UK Country Manager at LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network.

CHAMBER NEWS

Top Scot recognised in prestigious PRWeek UK 30 under 30 list PRWeek UK has unveiled its annual list of the young rising stars in the 2016 30 Under 30 List.

UK 30 under 30 list, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce said, “Charandeep is truly flying the flag for Scotland and being recognised in this prestigious list by industry leading body PR Week UK is testament to the wealth of talent and the opportunities in Scotland.

Announced at a ceremony in London hosted by Charles Lewington, Managing Director of Hanover Communications and previously Press Secretary for Prime Minister John Major, this year, sees Charandeep Singh, 26, (pictured above), as the only Scot on the coveted list who is permanently based and working professionally in Scotland.

On the announcement of Charandeep Singh being recognized in the prestigious PR Week

“This comes at an exciting time for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce as Charandeep also takes on a major new role as Head of External Relations, recognising the growth of the Chambers of Commerce and also Charandeep’s commitment to strengthening the voice of Scottish business.”

Charandeep Singh, Head of External Relations, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said, “I am humbled and proud to be featured on the list and the talent of the young professionals on the list is just exceptional. For me, the ambition and vision of the Chambers of Commerce has inspired my work over the years and I look forward to making more contributions to the Scottish business community.”

Braving the Digital Era Bill Magee

Journalist & Technology Writer

Businesses are constantly being told they must brave this still newish Digital Era or else fall behind in what remains a fiercely competitive marketplace.

Yet, it’s claimed the majority of advice on how to digitise concentrates on start-ups or new entrants rather than seasoned firms looking for a steer in the right direction.

Such is the rapidity of tech advances nowadays, it can prove quite bewildering when it comes to deciding what’s the best way forward in terms of boosting productivity and business processes.

With this shortfall very much in mind I’ve come across a handy digital guide from Scots-based Exception, a leading UK IT consultancy and services outfit

that specialises in delivering digital transformation.

Founding director and chairman Martin Burke tells me the challenge for established organisations can be both complex and multidimensional. Not least because they have to tackle it from a different starting point compared with digital entrants.

Information technology remains critical to the transformation plans of any organisation but many encounter challenges. Both with their infrastructure and capabilities when seeking to take advantage of the opportunities that digital technologies create.

IDC, the independent market researcher, believes that many are not moving fast enough to address the digital challenge predicting that over the next three years, a third of top 20 companies in every industry will be “disrupted” by new entrants that are switched on digitally.

Not necessarily going out of business but with their revenue, profits and market

position under threat. Martin warns against what he calls “significant market hype” around digital transformation.

The reality is that most organisations will have some way to travel to realise their digital ambitions - if, indeed, they have defined what these are.

Key areas identified and requiring consideration, based on Exception’s experience of working with clients across different sectors: whilst no means exhaustive, should be addressed to create and deliver a successful digital transformation strategy.

Martin highlights Leadership, Capability, Architecture, Governance, each critical whether managing innovation, digitising the core business, reducing complexity or delivering mobile-first applications.

Getting these four areas of your business right in any digital transformational initiative will better ensure that a defined and delivered strategy is achieved to the lasting benefit of an organisation.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Small business – big difference The 3rd of December will see the fourth Small Business Saturday take place – a campaign which encourages the public to shop at or use the services of small businesses on a specific day each year.

Last year saw £623m spent with small businesses across the UK, an increase of £119m or 24 per cent on the previous year.

The campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter on the day with more than 100,000 campaign-related tweets being sent. Over 75% of local councils in the UK supported the campaign, giving considerable national reach into local communities.

“Small Business Saturday has been strong in Scotland since its start nearly four years ago, and continues to go from strength to strength.

“The Scottish public has really embraced the campaign and we look forward to meeting more fantastic Scottish businesses as the bus tour comes through Scotland this October,” comments Michelle Ovens MBE, National Campaign Director for Small Business Saturday.

An integral part of the campaign is the Small Biz 100 - one hundred handpicked small firms from across the UK who each year benefit from free exposure associated with the campaign.

Rebecca Christensen of Edinburgh’s Love From Indie Street, one of the campaign’s small business champions says, “Small Business Saturday is a fantastic initiative that I have been involved with for two years now. For the 2015 campaign I ran a series of free surgeries for female small business owners in Edinburgh. 15 women came along to the one to one surgeries on the day where we focused on an area of their business that they were experiencing problems with.

“The day provided a fantastic opportunity to talk about the services that we offer, to engage with local press, raise the profile of my business and also resulted in a number of new clients.”

Small Business Saturday has been strong in Scotland since its start nearly four years ago, and continues to go from strength to strength.

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Naomi Bremner, who runs Orkney Buffalo with her husband Russell, says: “We support the philosophy of Small Business Saturday in everything that we do; the Orkney economy is predominantly small businesses and it is so important that we all work together to promote and encourage the use of small businesses.

“As a business we aim to take as much of our supplies from local, small businesses as we can; and we hope that being part of the Small Biz 100 supports the domino effect of small businesses supporting each other.”

Edinburgh-based Plant ‘n’ Grow founder, Mandy Bailey says: “Being part of the Small Biz 100 provides us with an opportunity to highlight what we do on a bigger scale, something small businesses rarely have the opportunity or the budget to do.

“We get the chance to share our story and journey as a small business and celebrate all that’s great about running a small company in the UK.” To get involved in this year’s campaign, small business owners are encouraged to visit www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com for ideas of how they can benefit from the day.

The website also provides advice for local authorities, small business networks and anyone who wishes to support small firms on the 3rd of December.

CHAMBER NEWS

Business Rates – will lightning strike twice?

One of the most significant problems with Business Rates over the past six years is that the valuations they are based upon have taken no account whatsoever of one of the longest and deepest recessions in Scotland’s modern history. Worse news is that history may be about to repeat itself, as next year’s revaluation may take little account of either Brexit or persistent low oil prices.

Garry Clark

Economic Development Intelligence Unit

The reason for this is that even though the last revaluation took effect on 1 April 2010, the valuations themselves were based upon an earlier fixed point in time, namely 1 April 2008 which, coincidentally, marks the peak of the market just prior to the great recession on 2008-09, when our economy first began to shrink in June 2008. Rating law means that no account can be taken of economic events that occur in the two year period before the commencement of the revaluation and therefore peak market, pre-recession values continue to apply to our rates bills to this day. Had the recession struck in 2011, ratepayers could have made a case for a reduction in their rates bills as a result of a material change of circumstances in the economy, but that option was not available where the recession hit during the period between 2008 and 2010.

That failure to recognise changing economic circumstances is reason enough to reform our system of Business Rates, and it is one of the points that the Scottish Chamber of

Commerce network will be making to the independent review of Scotland’s Business Rates, which is currently seeking views from across the country on how the current system could be improved. Unfortunately the Review Group is not due to report until July 2017 – three months after the next revaluation takes effect. Once again, that revaluation will be based on valuations two years previously, that is 1 April 2015, and account cannot be taken of economic events in the intervening years. That means that the valuations upon which businesses will be paying their rates bills as of next year cannot take account of the impact of the vote for the UK to leave the European Union, which took place on 23 June 2016, nor can it take account of the fact that global oil prices have remained stubbornly below $50 a barrel for much of that period. Scottish Chambers of Commerce’s own Quarterly Economic Indicator recorded a sharp drop in performance among Scotland’s oil and gas businesses from the second quarter of 2015 onwards and this was reflected in the Scottish Government’s own official economic data, which shows that growth plunged from 0.7% in the first quarter of 2015 to just 0.1% in the second quarter, and it has failed to get above 0.3% in any quarter since then.

Indeed, over the year since the first quarter

of 2015, the Scottish economy grew by just 0.6%, in comparison to average UK growth over the same period of 2.0%.

This situation suggests that unless the Scottish Government acts urgently to allow our current economic situation to be reflected in the rates valuations, then once again Scottish businesses may end up paying rates bills that are based on valuations which are not only two years out of date but which, once again, take no account of seismic economic shocks.

So while the focus of the Scottish Government’s Business Rates activity may well be on how we can reform the tax in the longer term, there are significant questions over whether the revaluation due to take effect on 1 April 2017 will be fit for purpose and whether it could be as damaging to Scotland’s businesses as the last flawed revaluation in 2010.

Business Rates is a tax that has been devolved to the Scottish Government since the advent of devolution in 1999. At a time when devolution is bringing ever more control of new taxes north of the border, now is the time for the Scottish Government to act on a tax which it has had control of all along and ensure that Scotland’s businesses do not get punished once more for a coincidence of economic timing.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Chambers of Commerce – Businesses of purpose Business is once again back in the headlines. We’ve heard loud business voices on both sides in the EU referendum debate, and we’ve also seen some business leaders taken to task recently for poor corporate practice - with consequences for shareholders, employees and for the reputation of business as a whole.

Adam Marshall

Acting Director General, British Chambers of Commerce

So it is a pleasure to talk about great businesses, and an even greater pleasure to talk about the positive role that Chambers play in local communities and in society as a whole.

If what I have to say sounds a bit like a love letter to the work I’ve been involved in for the past seven years, that’s probably because it is.

The network of Chambers of Commerce contains some of the UK’s oldest, most dedicated, and most emblematic businesses of purpose. Some have been in existence for over 250 years, and have changed with the times in order to meet the changing needs of their members.

Yet a few things have remained constant throughout Chambers’ decades or centuries of work on behalf of local businesses.

Chambers have always been about helping businesses to connect with each other locally. They have always fought to make the towns, cities and counties they call home better places to live and work. And they have always helped local businesses achieve success in the wider world, and boost international trade links.

As membership organisations, owned by and for local business communities, Chambers of Commerce are a unique form of ‘businesses of purpose’. Direct, democratic accountability

is at the heart of each Chamber — making each a business democracy.

As companies limited by guarantee, with no distributions to their members, Chambers avoid conflicts of interest — and can serve as trusted partners for other businesses, and for the public sector alike.

We at the British Chambers of Commerce — owned by that network of Chambers, who in turn are owned by their members — have the privilege of amplifying their voice. Working as a network, we can represent members’ interests locally, nationally and internationally.

Together we set, and live by, high standards.

A robust Chamber accreditation system demonstrates a commitment to quality services, stable finances, and the highest standards of governance — both here in the UK and now in British Chambers across the world.

Chambers also ‘walk the talk’ — through apprenticeships, through promotion of local procurement, building strong supply chains,

supporting local charities, and through sharing good practice with each other. While our business membership is diverse and growing, we know we have more to do to demonstrate that diversity — and get a wider cross-section of our members into senior leadership positions.

Put simply, Chambers are intimately involved in so many facets of local life. They have been businesses of purpose since their very creation — a fact which motivates the more than 1,600 people who work for accredited Chambers across the United Kingdom each and every day.

Government initiatives come and go — and indeed, so to do many businesses. Yet Chambers remain, because our purpose remains as strong today as it was two centuries ago. We look forward to being part of the transformation of business, the development of local communities, and the building of a better business culture, for many more years to come.

Chambers have always been about helping businesses to connect with each other locally. They have always fought to make the towns, cities and counties they call home better places to live and work. And they have always helped local businesses achieve success in the wider world, and boost international trade links.

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ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL

Ambition and Enterprise in Argyll Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway has teamed up with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to host the first Argyll Enterprise Week, in Oban, from 31 October to 4 November.

Businesses, social enterprises and potential entrepreneurs across Argyll and the Islands will be invited to take advantage of free workshops, seminars, networking events and discussions designed to provide support and inspiration in achieving their business goals.

Central to the week will be a business support trade fair, bringing together a wide range of public and private organisations that can provide support.

Argyll Enterprise Week will cover a wide range of themes supporting economic growth, including finance, internationalisation, digital and innovation, as well as focusing on the potential for growth in the tourism, food and drink, creative industries and social enterprise sectors within Argyll.

Councillor Aileen Morton, Policy Lead for Sustainable Economic Growth, said: “Argyll and the Islands has been recognised as one of Scotland’s most promising regions.

Our geography alone gives us a number of key niche business sectors, from tourism to renewables. Regeneration is creating new opportunities across the area. Talent and ambition is in evidence in our people and in our communities.

“Argyll Enterprise Week is about building on this promise. It’s a chance for businesses to come together, share experiences, stimulate new ideas and create connections to draw on. I would encourage everyone with a business to get involved.”

The Argyll and Bute Economic Forum reported in February this year that the region

has real strengths particularly in areas such as food and drink, tourism, creative industries and life sciences.

David Smart, Head of Special Projects at HIE, said growing the population and realising the region’s potential needs a joined up approach. He added: “It is vital that Argyll and the Islands is home to significant numbers of confident, growing enterprises that provide secure, well paid jobs. We need to recognise and celebrate the enterprise we have here, encourage more of it and make it contagious. That’s what Argyll Enterprise Week is all about.”

For more information visit www.hie.co.uk/ argyllenterpriseweek or call the local Business Gateway team on 01546 604 555.

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EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL

Cumnock, in the heart of South West Scotland, is a great place to live and work In East Ayrshire we are home to around 3000 traditional and modern enterprises, from small family run businesses to internationally owned companies, employing around 44,000 people.

Our business base is remarkably diverse, including engineering, textiles, food and drink, tourism, construction and financial services companies.

We’re easily accessible by road, rail, sea and air, making us an ideal base for business.

Ongoing work through the Digital Scotland programme, part funded by East Ayrshire Council, means we will soon have 98% superfast fibre broadband coverage across the area.

We have commercial property to meet all business needs. Availability extends from small industrial units, and serviced town centre office accommodation, to large development plots in easily accessed new business parks next to main arterial routes.

Our efforts to regenerate our towns through investment, new business and new jobs have been bolstered by the completion of seven new retail units in Cumnock. New occupants will move into six of these in August 2016.

The seventh unit is currently being marketed for lease or sale and offers an opportunity for a retailer to establish themselves in the centre of one of Scotland’s most vibrant market towns.

Located on Townhead Street, with adjacent parking and excellent links to the road and public transport networks, our £2.8M investment has been built in consultation with the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community to design an architecturally sympathetic, traditional streetscape to complement the existing buildings while providing retailers with modern, stylish and affordable space in a range of sizes from 96 sqm to 117 sqm.

This investment represents another step forward in the regeneration of Cumnock.

Comprehensive funding through the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) has supported the restoration of many of the town’s historic buildings,

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complimented by the recently built Rothesay House which exemplifies our ‘town centre first’ principle, bringing all our local services from Roads, Housing and Social Work to a Library and Marriage Suite under one roof in a purpose built facility.

Our Town Centre Manager liaises with community groups and the increasingly popular Cumnock Business Association to provide an active programme of events and campaigns to encourage people to shop local and enjoy the town as a leisure venue.

Later this year, the 1960s Glaisnock Shopping Centre will be demolished making way for more development. Further investment by the Council will ensure that additional business space is provided to support private sector growth.

For any prospective occupier, our robust business infrastructure, combined with East Ayrshire Council’s proactive approach to engaging with and supporting local businesses, means we can offer a comprehensive, individually tailored package of support to make any investment successful.

Our Economic Development Service helps businesses with premises and land sourcing, grant and loan packages and recruitment and training support. Our Business Advisers pride themselves on fostering strong personal links with companies, analysing needs and providing bespoke support, signposting and networking opportunities through regular seminars, business breakfasts and training events.

Our “beReady” programme offers businesses the chance to work with professional mentors through a programme of seminars, workshops and one to

one evaluation and coaching sessions, giving them the chance to access highly personalised assistance specific to their circumstances.

We work extensively with local businesses to assist with selection, recruitment and funding for apprenticeships, graduate recruitment and continuous professional development. The advent of the new Ayrshire College Campus which will shortly open in nearby Kilmarnock, coupled with our well established links with private and voluntary sector training agencies and schools, means we’re able to work with industry to upskill our talented and eager workforce according to employer requirements.

East Ayrshire can offer you and your employees an excellent quality of life, a strong sense of community, good educational and leisure opportunities and attractive, affordable housing stock in a variety of urban and rural settings.

If you want an excellent place to work, live and invest in superb surroundings with great infrastructure, good connectivity, business and training support and an enthusiastic and flexible workforce then we want to hear from you.

For more Business Support or information on this and other East Ayrshire commercial property for lease or sale contact: Contact: 01563 503237 01563 576154 http://eac.eu/comprop estates. management@east-ayrshire.gov.uk http:// eac.eu/business2 Email: economic.development@eastayrshire.gov.uk

Make East Ayrshire your business... …and you’ll find an area rich in history, innovation, invention and industry. Set in the heart of South West Scotland, the area offers excellent transport links by road, rail, sea and air, with outstanding commercial opportunities. You’ll also find a “can do” attitude from our business advisers, support services and skills and training providers.

With a great range of locations, from business parks to town centres, a welcoming and co-operative business community, excellent public services and close-knit networking opportunities, we’ve got the facilities, skilled workforce and lifestyle options which make East Ayrshire a perfect place to grow your company.

Find yourself in East Ayrshire and join our blossoming business community.

Contact: 01563 503237 Email: economic.development@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk www.facebook.com/eastayrshire @eastayrshire

ANGUS COUNCIL

Angus Business Week 2016: Providing Advice, Inspiration & Motivation LOCAL businesses will benefit from talks by industry leaders, expert-led workshops, in-depth business seminars and motivational events during Angus Business Week 2016, which runs from 12-16 September.

A packed programme of events has been planned which will support local businesses of all sizes and in all industry sectors to realise their full potential by focusing on leadership, growth, innovation and working more effectively, as well as providing advice, inspiration and motivation.

Angus Business Week has been developed by a partnership of local and national organisations and this year includes Angus Council’s Business team, Business Gateway, Centre for Engineering, Education and Development (CeeD), Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, Dundee & Angus College, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Scottish Development International, Skills Development Scotland, Evoke IT, SCR Solutions and Digital Boost.

Angus Business Week launches with the CeeD leadership Clinic where delegates will hear from Graham Sleep, CEO of Improvement Architecture Ltd. A global leader with a diverse background and over 25 years of business experience. Graham has led turnarounds in the USA and UK, took part in sizeable acquisitions, developed a number of joint ventures and strategic alliances across Asia and South America and managed global new product development and supply chain projects.

The afternoon of September 12 will also feature the Crowdfunding for Business workshop, which will discuss this increasingly popular method of raising finance, new product development and testing the market. The workshop will explain how to launch a campaign on the Angus Crowdfunding Portal and what support a company can expect while doing so.

On 13 September, in the morning, businesses are encouraged to explore How to Grow Your Business Outside Scotland, with expert advice and practical case studies from businesses who have done exactly this. In the afternoon, Evoke It will share the benefits and practicalities of using technology by asking “Is Your Business Ready to Move to the Cloud?”.

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The High Noon Lunch at Carnoustie Golf Hotel on 14 September promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s Angus Business Week. Organised by Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, the speakers will be Lord Andrew Dunlop discussing the Tay Cities Deal, Nik Scott Gray explaining the vision for Montrose Port and Fraser Doherty, SuperJam, sharing his entrepreneurial journey. This will be followed by a business engagement session on the Tay Cities Deal in which delegates are encouraged top participate.

The evening of September 14 will feature a Business Planning workshop with practical advice and techniques for running your company effectively.

On Thursday, businesses who are keen to work with the public sector are encouraged to sign-up for the Winning Contracts With the Public Sector workshop which will give practical advice on how to achieve this while hearing from a business who has done so.

Then delegates can relax and replenish at the Cybercrime Lunch & learn event at the Centre for Enterprise in Arbroath.

Always a popular topic for businesses, the Thursday events end with an Introduction to Digital Marketing Strategy. This workshop led by Digital Boost is extremely popular and gives attendees the tools and advice they need to begin using digital technology

to promote their business efficiently and effectively.

Angus Business Week will conclude on September 16 with the Angus Business Breakfast: Innovation, Architecture and Design. The Angus Business Breakfasts led by the Business Angus team are a popular format, ensuring that the delegates are able to ask questions, learn from the speakers, get involved and meet other like-minded people. The breakfast will include RR Spink explaining how they are using innovation to win recognition from their suppliers, such as Marks & Spencer and learning about local award winning business,@rchitects Scotland Ltd. Kirriemuir based, Jack Ellis tell their story of how they are designing and providing bulletproof armour for organisations across the globe and there will be expert advisors available to discuss how your business can benefit from Innovation, Architecture and Design.

To find out more about Angus Business Week 2016, or book places at any of the events, visit www.angusbusinessweek.co.uk

In Angus, we have an appetite to assist and Business Angus is here to help.

In Angus, we have an appetite to assist and Business Angus is here to help.

Angus Council’s Business team offers a one stop advice shop, whether it’s information on skills support, funding, company training, property or practical business advice.

Working with business support agencies in the area, our partnership approach will ensure that relevant support is available to those businesses who require it. Talk to us today about how we can help your business grow. www.businessangus.com |

Business Angus |

@businessangus

Why Lanarkshire Situated in the heart of Scotland, Lanarkshire is the ideal location for business.

• Second largest populated region in Scotland • Centrally located between Glasgow and Edinburgh • Well connected transport infrastructure • Home to the country’s finest business parks • 15,000 businesses already located here

For your next business move

@BizLanarkshire Choose Lanarkshire is a joint inward investment initiative between North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council

www.chooselanarkshire.com

NORTH LANARKSHIRE

Central. Competitive. Commercial. Choose Lanarkshire.

Lanarkshire is at the heart of Scotland with unparalleled motorway, rail and freight links and just 40 minutes from the country’s two biggest and busiest airports.

Lanarkshire is home to over 15,000 businesses generating tenth of Scotland’s annual turnover.

Businesses such as Morgan Sindall, Burns Stewart, Multi Packaging Solutions and First Direct have already chosen Lanarkshire along with BioCity Scotland, the premier location for life sciences companies with state-of-theart laboratories, access to shared services, business support and investment.

The area is richly served with available and affordable office, business and factory space across a number of major specialist sites in Lanarkshire: Eurocentral, Maxim Park, Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, Hamilton International and Strathclyde Business Park are among the best known locations … nationally and internationally.

Commercial properties at Rutherglen Links and the National Business District at Shawfield are key locations of Scotland’s largest urban regeneration project, Clyde Gateway.

Lanarkshire is also benefitting from the £1.13 billion ‘City Deal’ programme, with £342.5m investment across North and South Lanarkshire Council programmes over the next few years.

Supporting these new and exciting developments in Lanarkshire is Choose Lanarkshire, the portal to your new business home, underscoring the ambition drive and energy of an area reborn.

For more details visit: www.chooselanarkshire.com

For inward investors it means an opportunity to negotiate with site owners and agents keen to maximise occupancy rates and work with enterprises to market their businesses, products and services in Lanarkshire and far beyond.

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CONFERENCING AND EVENTS

Sector that is well and truly on the up

The meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) industry is of huge importance to the Scottish economy.

According to research commissioned by the Meeting Professionals International Foundation, business events are worth an estimated £1.9 billion each year, accounting for roughly 20% of the total economic benefit that tourism delivers to Scotland.

Right now marks an exciting time for the industry, as we continue to build on our success in attracting conferences as a result of Scotland’s global reputation as a contemporary business destination, our academic excellence, and our tradition of innovation.

Scotland is well-equipped to compete with 200 other global destinations for MICE business with award-winning facilities, venues, and suppliers across the country.

This is backed up with the strong credentials of Scotland’s industry suppliers – world class hotels, venues, event organisers and a supply chain of businesses all playing their part to make events happen seamlessly and to the highest quality.

The continued success of business events in Scotland has been in no small part to the huge investment by our partners, including multi-million projects at prestigious venues

Additionally, growth in airline connectivity to Scotland from all parts of the world – from the Arabian Gulf to North America – is transforming routes for business visits and

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such as Gleneagles, Trump Turnberry, and Fairmont, St Andrews, and major conference centre expansions at the SECC, Hydro Arena, and EICC, in addition to the new AECC due to open in 2019.

events, with new direct routes from Delta, Qatar, Etihad, Air Canada Rouge, and Air France airlines.

We have also been playing our own part at VisitScotland with the creation of the National Conference Bid Fund in 2012. Since then just £3 million of investment has helped bolster the Scottish economy by £300 million – a fantastic return – and proves the huge value of business events to the country.

Whilst the economic benefits of business tourism to Scotland are clear, holding an event is not the end of the story. By demonstrating Scotland’s expertise it also contributes to potential inward investment

CONFERENCING AND EVENTS

and developments in infrastructure. Equally, hosting prestigious professional conferences boosts the reputation of the country and enhances Scotland’s profile and credentials in key industries.

VisitScotland’s commitment to the sector is demonstrated by its dedicated Business Events team which focuses entirely on attracting conventions, conferences, business meetings and corporate incentive reward trips to Scotland. Our sales and

marketing activity all contributes towards enabling corporate event planners and professional meeting organisers to bring their event to Scotland, and persuade them that we can deliver, not only an outstanding quality of meeting, conference or incentive, but that long after the event is finished, delegates will retain a lasting positive memory of not only the outcomes of the event, but part of the spirit of Scotland. www.conventionscotland.com

Right now marks an exciting time for the industry, as we continue to build on our success in attracting conferences as a result of Scotland’s global reputation as a contemporary business destination, our academic excellence, and our tradition of innovation.

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CONFERENCING AND EVENTS

Inspiring Events The Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel As Scotland’s Venue of Excellence, The Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel combines versatile conference and event facilities with the standards of a four star hotel.

The Conference Hotel is constantly striving to improve the service it offers to customers. Having recently completed phase one of an extensive bedroom remodelling project, all 168 bedrooms are scheduled for redesign to create the ideal sleeping environment for guests and delegates.

Scotland’s only accredited member of the prestigious International Association of Conference Centres (IACC), the Golden Jubilee will be unveiling its new Inspiration Space, a flexible and dynamic suite of meeting rooms which will complement the popular Innovation Centre.

Director of the Conference Hotel, Bronagh Bell said: “Our vision is to create the best Conference Hotel in Scotland, with a range of versatile and innovative facilities to meet the needs of the 2020 events organiser and delegate.”

Scotland’s top conference venue

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Versatile meeting and exhibition space Airport transfers WiFi Free parking

More information about the range of services available from the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel can be found at www.GoldenJubileeHotel.com or by Liking Facebook.com/GoldenJubileeHotel and following @GJCHotel on Twitter.

http://www.goldenjubileehotel.com/conferences-and-events/ about-our-conferences/

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Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel Beardmore Street, Clydebank, Glasgow, G81 4SA Tel: 0141 951 6000 Fax: 0141 951 6018 www.goldenjubileehotel.com

CONFERENCING AND EVENTS

EXPERIENCE THE HOME OF THE BLACK WATCH CASTLE | SHOP | CAFE | MUSEUM

Creating Memorable Events

The Events Industry never stands still.

Starkevents was established in 1999 in Glasgow and work all over Scotland to design and deliver amazing events. Current holders of the Scottish Event Awards Best Conference of the Year.

Creating innovative new products is the lifeblood of any business. 5 years ago Starkevents identified a gap in the market and Starkpeople was born.

The conference and events industry requires a particular type of person and basic skills are not enough to deliver the standard of service that forward thinking organisations require. Starkpeople offers a bespoke service providing highly professional, motivated event staff for the conference and events industry within Scotland. From a single Conference Host at a small event to 50+ Conference professionals at a large scale Congress, Starkpeople are working all over Scotland to support events.

T: 0141 357 2235 E: info@starkeventsuk.com www.starkeventsuk.com

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CONFERENCING AND EVENTS WMCADENHEAD

Scotland’s oldest independent bottler

Interested In Whisky?

Why not get in touch and take advantage of our expert knowledge and our 170 years experience.

As Scotland’s oldest independent bottler we cherry pick the best casks for bottling and offer fun and informative tastings.

Situated on the Canongate at the bottom of the royal mile in Edinburgh, Cadenheads are Scotlands oldest independent bottler.

We buy casks of whisky from the distillers and bottle it straight from the cask at full cask strength, we do not chill-filter or add colouring.

We have an ever changing stock including bottlings from now closed distilleries and hold regular tastings. Please contact us for further information.

We are also the bottler and stockist of Old Raj Scottish gin at 46% and 55% vol.

Email us to receive our stock list or bring this advert into the shop for a quick lesson (with dram).

172 Canongate, Royal Mile Edinburgh EH8 8DF Tel: 0131 556 5864 Email chws@wmcadenhead.com www.wmcadenhead.com

The Perfect Christmas Present The Gift Voucher

www.stobocastle.co.uk Tel: 01721 725300 reservations@stobocastle.co.uk Stobo Castle Health Spa, Stobo, Peeblesshire, EH45 8NY BusinessScotland Scotland Business

88 38

Choose from our wide range of packages, available to purchase online.

Join the 23,000-strong Scottish customer service superheroes!

Every brand with a reputation for excellent customer service beats its competitors because good news travels fast online these days. Customer service-savvy businesses enjoy happy, returning customers, growing your reputation - and your business. After all, it costs 5 times more to attract a new customer than it does to keep an existing one!

This is where WorldHost comes in. Our unique, innovative and engaging one-day courses provide a powerful, energetic way to learn about excellence in customer service. Over 23,000 Scottish tourism employees have joined our growing band of customer service superheroes through our globally-recognised, quality-assured training.

Get the edge - join the crusade for customer excellence now! Take advantage of WorldHost discounts on offer across Scotland. scotland.worldhost.co.uk @WorldHostScot @WorldHostScotland

In 2019 a new state-of-the-art venue will open its doors in the North-East of Scotland.

The new Scottish venue will serve the exhibition, conference, meetings and entertainment markets on an increased international scale attracting a diverse range of events and generating increased economic benefit to the region.

The new AECC will play a vital role in the transformation of the city; boasting an impressive 48,500 m² of exhibition, conference and meeting space , featuring six large suites and 22 various sized breakout rooms, all designed with the flexibility to adapt to suit a variety of events. Three hotels will also feature as part of the development offering 500 bedrooms on-site.

A 12,500 capacity arena with 20 hospitality boxes will allow for a diverse calendar of events, placing the city on the map as a major events destination, capable of attracting a wide variety of shows and big name artists.

The new venue is easily accessible being situated close to Aberdeen International Airport amongst other transport links, thus allowing the opportunity to host events on a scale not possible in the city previously; with ease of access for clients, delegates and visitors, travelling from the city and further afield.

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With outdoor green areas and an on-site energy centre; the new venue is set to be the most sustainable building in Europe when it opens its doors in three years time. This ties in with the current business, which was the first venue in Scotland to achieve ISO20121, the standard for event sustainability.

AECC work hard to put Aberdeen on the map, and are gaining increasing recognition as a first class team dedicated to delivering world class service. Aberdeen is in a strong competitive position throughout the UK and globally, equipping AECC with the ability to win exciting new business and events moving forward.

• • • • • • •

48,500 m² of exhibition space 22 various sized breakout rooms 6 large suites Plenary capacity of 3,000 Banqueting for 2,000 500 hotel bedrooms on-site 1 mile from Aberdeen International Airport

For further information on the new AECC development or to speak to a member of the team, please contact sales@aecc.co.uk or 01224 824 824. www.aecc.co.uk.

CONFERENCING AND EVENTS

REMOVE THE HURDLES

AND EXPAND YOUR CONNECTIONS The winning venue for conferences and corporate events The versatile facilties at Kelso Racecourse can be individually tailored to your needs and are available to hire for conferences, corporate events or company training days.

Our award winning catering team offer quality food with tremendous value for money and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.

Whether it’s a raceday, or a non-raceday, Kelso Racecourse can cater for any type of corporate event you require.

Contact us for further information  01573 224767  info@kelso-races.co.uk

www.kelso-races.co.uk RACEDAYS • ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS • FUNCTIONS WEDDINGS • CONFERENCES • CORPORATE EVENTS

0141 429 7070 www.glasgowtaxis.co.uk

RD CA YMENTS PA

NOW TAKEN

ON BOARD

Call | App | Online

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CONFERENCING AND EVENTS

Optimism grows in the world o Like the rest of the economy, the conferences and exhibitions industry has been through challenging times but the signs are that the sector is thriving.

That was underlined by a report compiled by the Events Industry Forum and the Business Visits & Events Partnership, which suggested the future could be bright for the industry.

It highlighted opportunities for growth in the UK Events Industry, which it suggested can grow from its existing £42.2 billion to £48.4 billion by 2020.

Recent economic figures pointing to an upturn in business confidence will drive that even more, experts believe.

So as business recovers, what are you looking for if you are trying to organise a conference or exhibition and need to select a venue?

One of the key factors, according to industry experts, is a good location, somewhere that is easy to reach and attractive for delegates.

When assessing the venue, other factors come into play as well. Can it cope with the numbers expected to attend, has it got a good meeting room, will it provide equipment like projectors and Internet access, are the staff friendly and flexible in helping you meet your needs?

The good venues are the ones that can tailor themselves to providing the exact needs of the event organisers and are prepared to be flexible. Their staff are expert and able to bring often complex events together in a skilful way.

Another approach for conference originators is to bring in a specialist company to do the legwork.

Linked to the conferences and exhibitions market is the need to offer corporate hospitality as part of the package and many conference and events organisers are integrating such attractions into their events.

More and more companies are realising that the sector needs to offer as much value as possible and that is leading to a growing sense of innovation.

One of the things that makes an exhibition successful is a sense that something is happening so it is useful to have staged areas for demonstrations and performances, or for companies to show their products at work.

Such activities, with the interest they attract, makes an exhibition feel like it is alive. All good exhibitions have a touch of theatre about them.

The staff at these outsource companies will have encountered just about every problem presented by the process and take all the worry away from the company originating the event.

THE GREEN HOTEL GOLF AND LEISURE RESORT THE IDEAL CONFERENCE DESTINATION ON YOUR DOORSTEP • Resort facilities for 10-200 with 11 flexible meeting rooms • A central Scotland location in the scenic town of Kinross • Two hotels onsite with 93 bedrooms • Top quality food and drink • Two 18 hole golf courses • Leisure club - with 20 meter indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, steam, sauna & beauty spa • Complimentary Wi Fi • Beautiful Loch Leven on the doorstep • Team building opportunities - indoors and outdoors, onsite and in the area, from Highland games to canoeing to our onsite curling rink to gin tastings • Our own Backstage live music venue • Complimentary parking

01577 863 467 www.green-hotel.com

E: sales@green-hotel.com

The Green Hotel Golf and Leisure Resort, 2 The Muirs, Kinross, KY13 8AS

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CONFERENCING AND EVENTS

of conferences and exhibitions “One of the key factors, according to industry experts, is a good location, somewhere that is easy to reach and attractive for delegates.”

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12/08/2016 15:45

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CONFERENCING AND EVENTS

Conferencing

Dundee - Fantastic Central Location DELEGATE PACKAGES FROM

£19.16 Ex VAT

• Free parking for over 100 cars • Flexible meeting spaces for up to 300 delegates • Free high speed reliable Wi-Fi • Latest digital AV equipment

• Full AV & IT support including Video Conferencing Suite • Summer campus accommodation, over 200 en-suite rooms

01382 647171 enquiries@westpark.co.uk

www.westpark.co.uk

Ackergill Tower The Jewel of the Highlands

Standing proudly above the beach of Sinclair Bay at the northernmost tip of Scotland, Ackergill Tower is one of the most atmospheric and iconic castles imaginable. Steeped in over 500 years of fascinating history, this beautiful castle is an incomparably stunning setting for events set within 3000 acres of grounds, perfect for Fishing, Archery and Clay Pigeon Shooting.

Whether you’re hosting a Directors Retreat or holding a team building event, organising a product launch or entertaining key clients, our 5 Star Castle in the Highlands of Scotland has it all.

With luxurious accommodation for up to 70 guests in the 15th century tower and surrounding cottages, your delegates will be sure to have a relaxed night’s sleep before the day ahead.

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With 6 flexible event spaces including the Smugglers Inn, Treehouse, Sinclair Palace and the feature filled Great Hall accommodating up to 250 delegates. The Castle equips you with everything you need for a seamless event.

Available for Day Delegate and Residential events, Exclusive use and Private Dining, our dedicated team will be delighted to assist with the planning of your next event. www.ackergilltower.com hello@amazingvenues.co.uk Tel: 01494 682 673

CONFERENCING AND EVENTS

Creative Travel Connections Scotland’s leading Transport Management Company.

We have been offering our clients a valuable one stop shop solution service, providing luxury coach hire and chauffeur drive for sightseeing tours, corporate travel and all types of events.

Our stylish fleet of luxury vehicles include Saloon Cars, People Carriers and Coaches suitable for all your travel requirements.We are based near Edinburgh airport, however look after transport requests from all over Scotland and sometimes work with select preferred suppliers to cover multiple coach or car requirements while at the same time ensuring that our high standards are maintained.

T: 0131 333 3111

Additional Conference and Event Support Services Airport Meet and Greet Managers, Tour Guides, Driver Guides, Fully trained on-site support staff, Special Interest Tours, Site Visit Programmes and separate luggage transfers.

Please contact our office with your outline travel itinerary and we will be delighted to provide quotes and expert itinerary advice.

E: info@ctcscotland.com

W: www.ctcscotland.com

Unit 11a, Newbridge Industrial Estate Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8PJ

Your Total Event Solution

Day rate delegat s fro e ÂŁ21. m only 50pp

Conference Suite for up to 300 delegates 25 meeting & break-out rooms PC Training Suite Voting system and virtual presenter software Video Conference Suite Complimentary delegate parking for 140 cars Conveniently located just off junction 3 of the M90

0344 248 0137 www.carnegieconferencecentre.co.uk Carnegie Conference Centre, Halbeath Road, Dunfermline KY11 8DY

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CONFERENCING AND EVENTS

BUSINESS CENTRE

Glenearn Road | Perth | PH2 0NJ

Tel: 01738 450 450

www.algobusinesscentre.co.uk

The versatile conference room can be configured as a board room or theatre arrangement, with a break out room and office for preparation. Duchally also offers tailor-made team-building sessions in association with partners, including clay-pigeon shooting, falconry lessons and fishing.

the perfect location for business and pleasure!

Delegates can energise themselves with time in the leisure centre or relax in the comfortable bar before retiring for the night in a luxury hotel room or one of the splendid lodges.

Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Perthshire PH3 1PN, Scotland

+44 (0)1764 663 071 | www.duchally.co.uk

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Set in 27 acres of Perthshire parkland, CLC Duchally Country Estate, with its fine food reputation and warming Whisky bar, creates a unique atmosphere for corporate conferences and celebrations.

CHAMBER NEWS

Breeze through theN sleep through Fly with Aer lingus and pre-clear u.s. immigration at dublin airport.

Maximise your sleep time on board.

Daily flights to Dublin Fly from Dublin to 10 destinations in North America Airport lounge access Fully lie-flat 2 metre bed Modern Irish cuisine Wi-Fi and mobile network Custom-designed stowage Multi-touch 16 inch HD monitor The best value Business Class fares Pre-flight dining from JFK Revival Lounge in Dublin

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CHAMBER NEWS

Jobs Roadshows bring employers face to face with youth talent Pioneering events ‘Jobs Roadshows’ have supported businesses in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian in youth talent attraction. Many employers experience the benefit of inspiring and recruiting graduates through graduate jobs fairs ‘Milkrounds’. This type of event, until recently, did not exist on scale for school and college leavers in Edinburgh, Midlothian or East Lothian.

With this knowledge in mind, backed up with many asks from employers to bring them face to face with potential candidates while recruiting; the DYW group developed and delivered 3 ‘Jobs Roadshows’ across the region.

Businesses of all sizes from a variety of sectors showcased over 800 open vacancies including full and part time roles, Modern Apprenticeships and paid school leaver internships with a view to recruiting talented young people.

Graham Blaikie from The Mercat Grill in Musselburgh, talks about the benefits to him as an SME; “The roadshow event in Haddington was excellent, well planned and put together and I was very impressed with the talent of the young people in attendance and how they conducted themselves. It was a good investment of my time and I have already recruited 3 new employees from those I met and further interviewed from the event. I would certainly recommend this event to other employers and look forward to being involved in future roadshows.”

Sandy Begbie, Chief People Officer of Standard Life and Chair of the Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian Regional DYW initiative, highlights the positive feedback;

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“The Jobs Roadshows are a stepping stone towards reducing the skills gap, improving youth employment and contributing to a stronger local economy. The aim was to inform, inspire and hire. With such positive feedback from local businesses on the level of talent and enthusiasm evident in the young people, it seems we’ve certainly ticked the inspiration box. We are encouraged by

news of progress on hirings on the back of the events too. Investing and engaging in youth talent is clearly worthwhile.”

This year the Jobs Roadshows attracted over 850 young people, the feedback has been fantastic from young people, teachers, parents and business and it is likely these events will run again early 2017 to target school and college leavers before they leave.

If you are based or do business in Edinburgh, Midlothian or East Lothian your Regional DYW team would be delighted to talk to you if you are keen to find out more about how your business can benefit from recruiting youth talent.

Find up to date information on support available on our website, www. edinburghchamber.co.uk/DYW you can follow us on Twitter @DYWEdinMidEast and we would love you to join us in our ‘Let’s Talk About Youth Talent’ Group on LinkedIn, where we will discuss best practice, challenges and ideas – involving everyone in this discussion.

CHAMBER NEWS

Preparing young people for the world of work Ten months into the Scottish Government’s ambitious Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) initiative, DYW North Highland, led by Caithness Chamber of Commerce, has found firm footing, with a number of notable achievements already under its belt and big plans in the pipeline.

A direct result of recommendations from the 2014 Wood Report, which agreed that all of our young people are entitled to an education relevant to the world of work, DYW aims to develop better partnerships between employers and education providers, ensuring education focuses on employment, Modern Apprenticeships meet the needs of industry requirements and that young people leaving school and college are better prepared for the world of work.

The DYW North Highland Regional Board, which covers both Caithness and Sutherland, was established last September, prior to a local launch event officiated by Annabel Ewing, Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment. The Board’s membership is a strong representation of the employer base of both counties. Key industries from across the region are well-represented, broadening the scope of opportunity for our young people.

The initiative employs two full-time staff in Thurso, and one part-time in Dornoch, to steer the development and implementation of a working strategy for DYW North Highland, facilitating meetings and events to engage stakeholders, students and their parents in its evolution.

Always keen to lead from the front, the initiative has employed a young person on a unique placement programme, who’ll be working to establish a platform for engagement, while providing a valuable insight into the needs and capabilities of our young people. This will be key in ensuring pupils receive the guidance and opportunities which will best benefit their aspirations for the future.

To ensure all local stakeholders understand and have access to the initiatives aims and what’s entailed in joining the programme, the DYW team have devised a series of literature, including information packs for employers, a quarterly e-newsletter, and the launch of a Facebook page which will enhance the outreach activities. They’ve also extended the annual Caithness Jobs Event into Sutherland, following a successful pilot event in Lairg, and helped four local organisations achieve Investors in Young People (IiYP) accreditation.

Going forward, DYW North Highland will further enhance student-employer relations by implementing it’s Business Ambassador programme, which will see employers from the region’s key sectors visit schools

to promote the merits of a career in their industry, as well as providing advice on how to increase employability. The team will also be rolling out the opportunity for WorldHost Customer Service training to pupils and creating curriculum inserts with a focus on adding to their career and employability skillsets, working closely with employers and educators to ensure students are given the best possible resources to kick-start a meaningful career. They’ll also support the Highland Council in the development of their Hi-Hope website portal, covering the Highland work experience programme.

Whether you’re an employer or educator, pupil or parent, now is the time to get involved and have your voice heard.

DYW North Highland want to hear your aspirations for the future of employment in the North Highlands; help them ensure young people have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.

To learn more about DYW North Highland, and how you can get involved, contact the team via skills@caithnesschamber.com or 01847 890076.

Developing the Young Workforce is launched in Inverness & Central Highlands Developing the Young Workforce Group has been launched in the Inverness & Central Highland area. Formally approved in March and led by local employers, the team will be working closely with our key partners at Inverness College, Highland Council Education and Skills Development Scotland. Engaging with employers, schools and other partners to further develop opportunities around recruiting more young people and promoting diversity in the workplace. Whether its supporting work experience or providing Modern Apprenticeships there is a role to play for employers which will support our young people and provide a strong talent pool that will support succession for successful Highland Businesses.

Many activities are planned and these will be led by the Inaugural Developing the Young Workforce Award in the Highland Business Awards 2016 and a showcase at Highland Spotlight, a business to business exhibition. Both of these events form part of the Highland Business Week which starts on Monday 26th of September.

The team are now in place and looking forward to working with the local community in delivering real career opportunities in the Highlands. To get involved please contact the Inverness & Central Highland DYW team at www.inverness-chamber.co.uk/ developing-the-young-workforce.

Inverness & Central Highland DYW leadership board in discussion

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CHAMBER NEWS

The Alford Academy Foodzstuff team with judges Steven Robertson, Ian Marr and Louise Smith

Chamber finds the Y Factor The search is over for the school with the “Y Factor”.

Alford Academy was last month named as the successful team in a Chamber competition aimed at helping young people understand the importance of financial planning.

Their winning business plan centred around launching a mobile app called Foodzstuff which features recipes and advice, as well as where to buy local produce.

Schools across the North-east took part in the competition organised by the Chamber’s finance network which takes its name from the “Y” for the youth population at which it is aimed and the “why” financial planning is so critical.

Each participating school put forward a team of four to six students who drew up a business plan for any business - a completely new one or one which already exists.

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A Dragon’s Den style presentation was made by the three finalists from Alford, Robert Gordon’s College and the Gordon Schools in Huntly in front of members from the finance network.

Teresa Bremner, membership network manager for the Chamber and finance network co-ordinator, said: “We are all really pleased with the results of the Y Factor.

“The level of detail, the obvious amount of work and just the sheer enthusiasm of the pupils was amazing.

“We asked the finalists why they had chosen to get involved with the project and were surprised – and delighted – when they told us that at some point they’d like to start their own businesses.

“The standard of entries exceeded all our expectations and we’re glad to report that there are some really talented and confident students out there.”

Each team was provided with a mentor, who talked through subjects like managing

company finances, product development, how to put together a marketing plan and budgeting.

The three finalist pitches included the Foodzstuff app idea from the Alford Academy team, coffee cubes for refreshment on the move from the Robert Gordon’s College business Cuba, and The Big Picture, a photo booth venture proposed by the Gordon Schools in Huntly.

Christine McLennan, Aberdeenshire Council Enterprise Development Officer said: “The Y Factor promotes the financial sector for school-age pupils and helps pupils develop skills in product development, time management, creative thinking, problemsolving and teamwork using a real life context.

“It is an example of collaboration between industry and education where work done in business studies, personal and social education and maths meets the real life world of commerce and finance.”

CHAMBER NEWS

Finding leaders in the classroom If the sixth year pupils of Bridge of Don Academy who are studying leadership are seeking a role model then they will be hard pushed to find anyone better than their teacher.

However Hayley Barr is looking to Chamber members to help develop the leadership qualities of her pupils on the PE and Leadership course.

Hayley’s own leadership journey has been grounded in sport.

She has been a gymnast since the age of four, a keen horse rider and competed at national level in the tetrathlon (shooting, swimming, riding and running).

She qualified as a gymnastics coach at 16 and studied to become a teacher at the University of Stirling.

While there, she was offered a place on the UK Sport IDEALS programme (International Development through Excellence and Leadership in Sport) and spent six weeks in Zambia coaching sport and doing HIV and AIDS education.

The following year, aged only 19, she was selected by UK Sport to be a team leader on the programme and spent another four months in Zambia responsible for the wellbeing, welfare and professional and personal development of scores of undergraduates learning to be leaders.

“The biggest lesson I learned from them was the importance of emotional intelligence,” she said.

“Walking into a room and knowing when someone is having a bad day without even

During the course I try to have people from different sectors come in each week to speak to the pupils about leadership in their professions. Every individual can be a leader of their own life.

speaking to them; reading somebody’s body language; or even just reading somebody’s mood and knowing how to react to that as a leader.

“The Zambians are very intuitive people with social skills far above what we have here in the UK terms of noticing an individual as a person rather than a number.

“They have an intuitive sixth sense and for me that was a lightbulb moment and something that will stick with me forever.

“Zambia is the eighth poorest country in the world but I would say it’s one of the richest in terms of community.”

That is a lesson which Hayley has carried into the leadership course she has developed and which she has taught for three years.

The pupils, of all academic abilities, learn the theory of leadership and also put it into practice, culminating in an event which they have to organise themselves.

This year it was a leadership continuous professional development (CPD) class held at Elevator which was aimed at their peers but was opened up to business people.

It featured teambuilding, SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis, the whys of leadership, what makes people tick and what makes a good leader.

It was so well received that Elevator has decided to use the format as a blueprint for future CPD events.

“During the course I try to have people from different sectors come in each week to

speak to the pupils about leadership in their professions and about the importance of soft skills.

“The ones they find most valuable are those who speak about leadership skills in their personal lives because they need to be able to see a purpose in it.

“Someone might tell them that the day they became a leader was the day they realised they wanted a certain career but it might have started simply with them getting up in time and wearing smart clothes.

“People do say ‘Not everyone can be a leader because there can only be one leader of a company or one leader of a group’ - but every individual can be a leader of their own life.

“That’s why this course is so special. I’m not saying it will create the next CEO of Wood Group or necessarily develop the business leaders of tomorrow but if we can have people who are leaders within their own right and can see their own potential and are in charge of themselves and have accountability for who they are, then they are going to be an asset to any company or any employer.”

If you or your company can help develop leadership in these pupils contact: bridgeofdon@aberdeencity.gov.uk with “leadership” in the subject line.

One of Hayley’s students, Samantha Wildi, wrote a blog for the Chamber on her experience of studying leadership. It can be read at www.agcc.co.uk/blogs

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CHAMBER NEWS

Moray Chamber helps students become Career Ready A programme which helps young people prepare for the world of work is coming in to its third year in Moray.

Career Ready is a 2 year long, structured programme whereby a member of the business community mentors a student through the senior phase of secondary school.

Moray Chamber’s Chief Executive, Sarah Medcraf, has just come to the end of the programme with Honor Burns, a student from Elgin High School. As part of the mentoring process, the student partakes in a 4 week internship with the company to get real life experience of work, following a successful interview process.

Sarah Medcraf said “I really enjoyed the whole Career Ready process. I learnt a lot about myself and how to work with students and I also learnt different ways of dealing with young people’s strengths and weaknesses.”

“I believe this programme works so well because the employer can be real. It’s a real work placement within a real business, which is achieved by conducting a real interview. I also feel a lot of the strength of this programme comes from the initial detachment. I have no financial or emotional attachment to my student so I can give honest and fair advice on topics such as their pathways when finishing school. I don’t know their parents’ affordability of their child going to university or starting an apprenticeship, so as an employer I am able to give non-bias advice. It helps a young person to have an additional adult that they can turn to who isn’t their parent or teacher. I helped Honor on a number of issues, even if it was just to be a sounding board.”

Honor Burns

“We have created a friendship over the last 2 years, one that is built on trust and honesty. I am very proud of the person that Honor is now and I have no doubt that she will continue to chase her dreams and exceed all expectations.”

The meetings that take place between employer and student are approximately every 6 weeks and there is full employer guide book to keep the employer on track.

The student also has 6 masterclasses which include topics such as networking and personal development.

Sarah’s student Honor Burns said “I really didn’t know what to expect with this programme as it was new in to Moray and

Sarah Medcraf

I was one of the first students to go on the journey, however, I cannot recommend it enough. Sarah helped me understand what it was I really wanted to do and with the real life experiences and event planning during my internship, my confidence has improved significantly. I will always recommend this programme to any younger students and I will be keeping in touch with Sarah and the team at Moray Chamber.”

Sarah Medcraf sits on the Local Area Board for Career Ready which aims to encourage more employers to get involved as the programme will not succeed without them.

All the secondary schools in Moray are now involved with the programme and Sarah will be mentoring a new student from September.

We have created a friendship over the last 2 years, one that is built on trust and honesty.

I am very proud of the person that Honor is now and I have no doubt that she will continue to chase her dreams and exceed all expectations.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Get down to Ayrshire Business Week

Practicing what we preach

Scottish Chambers of Commerce are urged to get down to Ayrshire in October for Business Week.

Now in its eighth year the five-day programme running from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th October aims to support, promote and encourage business in Ayrshire.

The roadshow visits venues across Ayrshire giving you the perfect platform to get out and sell your business to a wide audience.

Amy Storrar

Danielle McPherson

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, chief executive, Val Russell said: “Ayrshire Business Week remains a popular programme on our calendar and one we always look forward to. As always it is a busy schedule, but a very enjoyable week I look forward to.

It’s an overused cliché ‘young people are our future’ but Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce firmly believe in providing young people with opportunities to start their journey into the world of work whilst reaping the benefits for the business.

“Our B2B conference Ayrshire On Show gives organisations across Scotland the ideal opportunity to source new business or products in Ayrshire. “

Part of the ‘social media generation,’ they bring new ideas to the workplace and at the same time create a younger, more vibrant image of Chambers of Commerce.

Ayrshire On Show B2B exhibition takes place on Tuesday 4th October from 9am to 3.30pm in The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock, and is the biggest conference of its kind in the region.

Five of the 18 members of staff at Ayrshire Chamber are under the age of 30 and the youngest members of the team, Danielle McPherson and Amy Storrar, both began in administrative roles within the organisation – Danielle in 2012 and Amy in 2015 – using the modern apprenticeship framework to develop and progress their careers.

Val continued: “Our B2B exhibition is the biggest in Ayrshire and always has a great variety on businesses on show underlining the strength of industry in the area.”

Tuesday also gives the opportunity to take part in Ayrshire Chamber’s unique facilitated speed networking and also hear from Scottish Business Awards founder Josh Littlejohn of Social Bite.

Val added: “Ayrshire Business Week has events for all throughout the first week of October and we’d love to see as many businesses from Ayrshire at these great events.”

Full details of Ayrshire Business Week and how to book to attend and book at stand at ‘Ayrshire on Show’ are available online at ayrshire-chamber.org

Val Russell, Chief Executive, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, explained: “It would have been hypocritical of us to encourage our membership to employ young people and not do so ourselves.

“The Chamber leads the Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire group which aims to create better links with educational establishments and employers and that includes encouraging them to hire young people.

“By bringing in Danielle and Amy to our team and supporting them through their development we have invested in their future within the business.

“With Modern Apprenticeships you play a major role in moulding the next generation as well as giving them a head start in their career.

Danielle, 21, who has now progressed from administration assistant to Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire’s Communications and Administration Officer feels a Modern Apprenticeship gave her a start she wouldn’t have got elsewhere.

She said: “The best thing about a Modern Apprenticeship for me is that I feel as though it has given me a real opportunity to learn different roles within the business. I feel I am miles ahead of where I would be if I had gone to college or university.”

And the work-based learning of a Modern Apprenticeship appealed too. She added: “I have always been a hands-on-learner, so choosing a Modern Apprenticeship seemed the best option for me when I left school. It’s opened up opportunities for me and I’m glad of the places it has taken me already.”

For Amy, 20, she has been able to use her apprenticeship as a springboard for further learning. She said: “I worked really hard to ensure that my portfolio was of a high quality but also looking forward to completing it so that I could develop my skills further and learn even more within the workplace. I have now started my second apprenticeship studying Digital Marketing and IT which was a personal interest but one that the Chamber has encouraged me to take further. They have even invested in new software just for me to grow my design skills.

“I would never have imagined a year ago that I’d be where I am today.”

Both Danielle and Amy are also fully qualified in Export Documentation which is of huge benefit to the business so win – win!

To find out more about Modern Apprentices in Ayrshire contact Gillian Cameron, Developing the Young Workforce Employee Engagement Officer on 01292 678 666.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Dumfries & Galloway – Where Education & Business Unite

Following a successful launch, Dumfries and Galloways DYW team have charged full steam ahead.

Having met and established superb relationships with Education via the appointments of new DYW Teacher volunteers in each school in the region, the team then focused on business.

D&G has an incredible wealth of varied businesses from Agriculture to wind farm and wave technologies to Graphic design and the team were and are making contact with all.

The project is based purely on a focussed, business led approach.

Having illustrated the skills workforce gap and having industry acknowledge the problem has allowed the project to evolve into a new way of working. Bringing business to education and getting them working together.

What do the businesses need from a workforce right now? What will they require tomorrow…? The building blocks are being laid down now for a much more involved

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business community paving the way into education, meeting Teachers, parents and pupils to highlight and educate the many different sectors and opportunities in the region.

Businesses have grabbed the opportunity swiftly – here at last is an opportunity to be effective. Not only are they building on, participating in (or in some cases, introducing) a huge amount of their corporate responsibility in a very easy and yet vital way, but through the DYW team, they are realising they have an opportunity to implement a sustainable and truly effective business orientated programme with massive impact. Businesses will now be able to engage with more young people and spot and nurture talent they recognise earlier than ever before meaning that training, recruitment and development can be swifter, tailored and more effective.

Through various methods including work ready projects, mentorships and volunteering, businesses can now be involved with education in a new, productive way. Pupils will benefit to being exposed to the working, professional environment quicker and for longer and be able to

identify possible vocations through practical experience rather than guesswork.

Through DYW, businesses now also have the pathway into education to increase awareness and application to apprenticeships. They can arrange presentations, and launch adverts directly to the pupils. DYW Teachers will assist with application forms and internet research. The businesses will whenever possible, hold the interviews in Schools/College premises. Not only will this method increase interest and applicants, but businesses can be assured that they will be investing correctly.

Dumfries and Galloway Chambers of Commerce DYW team are working with businesses to shape how tomorrow’s education system communicates and operates with business. Within one generation, businesses could actively be playing a part in the everyday curriculum.

And thanks to the regions businesses and our supportive Teachers and Headteachers, that’s happening today.

CHAMBER NEWS

Sweet taste of success for new food festival partnership Perthshire Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a huge success after serving up another helping of its popular two-day Perthshire On A Plate food festival.

This year the Chamber was invited to bring an exciting and attractive new dimension to the region’s annual agricultural showcase event. And the celebration of the area’s food and drink industry proved a perfect fit at the recent 154th Perth Show held at the city’s South Inch.

TV chefs Rosemary Shrager and Tony Singh headed up a demonstration cast of celebrity and local culinary talent in the packed Cookery Theatre, while a bustling trade

marquee showcased a wide range of local food and drink producers.

Pop-up restaurants added to the widespread foodie appeal of the festival with several Perthshire eateries offering “taster” dishes to the thousands who flocked to the Show.

festival showcases that larder perfectly with the help of producers, suppliers, retailers and experts from across the county.”

Perth Show secretary Neil Forbes also praised the success of the new partnership.

Perthshire On A Plate (POAP), sponsored

by DWK Office Solutions and supported

by Quality Meat Scotland, is organised by Perthshire Chamber Chief Executive Vicki Unite and journalist Maureen Young, who are both now hopeful of POAP becoming a regular feature at the annual Perth Show.

“Perthshire’s food and drink sector has a natural crossover to our agricultural industry and the combination has proved a real hit with the public. The partnership between Perth Show and POAP is the perfect fit - a double celebration of food and farming - and we’re hopeful that this inaugural partnership will become an annual feature.”

“This inaugural partnership proved hugely successful,” said Vicki, “and everyone involved has enthused about it – from the demonstration chefs to the producers and sponsors. A couple of our producers even received an export business boost with new overseas orders.

POAP was supported by a wide range of businesses and organisations including DWK Office Solutions, Perth Common Good Fund, Knock Castle in Crieff, Perth College UHI Hospitality Department, The Fraser Bruce Group, Momentum Design, Something Special Flowers and Quality Meat Scotland.

“When Perthshire comes together to celebrate our vital farming industry it is a natural progression to bolt on a celebration of food and drink,” she added. “POAP provided an exciting two-day programme offering our food and drink industry a platform to showcase their skills, produce and expertise to an audience of thousands.

“Perthshire is really the top shelf of Scotland’s larder with an abundance of prime quality produce covering everything from game to soft fruit,” she said, “and this

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CHAMBER NEWS

East Renfrewshire Business Awards 2016 - Winners announced Glitz and glamour was brought to the Dalmeny Park Hotel in Barrhead, on Thursday 9th June, as guests attended the most prestigious night in the local business calendar.

Following months of anticipation, we can now unveil the winners of the East Renfrewshire Business Awards 2016, which showcased the area’s best businesses.

Upon arrival at the hotel, guests were welcomed by a drinks reception before the opening of the formalities by Scottish Celebrity Karen Dunbar who was the host for the evening.

John F Hamilton, East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce President said: “East Renfrewshire has so much to celebrate and these awards are an excellent platform for local businesses to highlight their success. Congratulations to all the finalists and the winners tonight, with a record number of entries this year, competition was fierce and all the judges were impressed by the range and quality of the entries. Thank you to this year’s sponsors, without their support the awards would not be possible.”

Liana Canavan, Sales and Marketing Director for CALA Homes (West) the awards principal sponsor said: “CALA Homes (West), is currently building at its Queen’s Gait development at Newton Mearns and nearby at Thorntonhall, which lies just across the regional border, so it was great to read about so many fantastic businesses which call East Renfrewshire their home. On behalf of CALA Homes, I would like to extend my congratulations to all of winners.

Each has showcased best in practice in each of their respective categories and it is extremely encouraging that this innovation and type of work is being championed in the region.”

For more information on the East Renfrewshire Business Awards and to view the pictures visit: www.eastrenchamber.org.uk/ erba_2016.php

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The 2016 winners are: Family Business Award – sponsored by CALA Homes (West) Winner - Creature Comforts Excellence in Customer Service Award – sponsored by The Avenue Shopping Centre Winner - Barrhead Travel Group Most Promising New Business Award sponsored by Business Gateway Winner -Adcal Dental Laboratory Ltd Green Award –sponsored by George Leslie Ltd Winner - Neilston Development Trust Excellence in Innovation Award sponsored by East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Winner - George Leslie Ltd

East Renfrewshire Food and Drink Award – sponsored by West College Scotland Winner - The Wee Fudge Company East Renfrewshire’s Best Business Award (10 employees or less) sponsored

by Invest East Renfrewshire Winner - Optimal Physio East Renfrewshire’s Best Business Award (11 employees or more) sponsored by Taylor Wimpey Scotland West Winner - Bluebird Care (Glasgow South)

CHAMBER NEWS

Paisley 2021 announced as ROCCO 2016 Main Sponsor Renfrewshire Chamber is delighted to announce the main sponsor for Rocco 2016 is Paisley 2021. Established for over a decade the Rocco’s are Renfrewshire’s premier business event.

Jean Cameron, Bid Director for Paisley 2021, pictured with Chamber President Audrey Cumberford (left) said: “We are pleased to be supporting the ROCCOs, which are a fantastic way of recognising and rewarding the many successful businesses which operate across Renfrewshire.

“Businesses are at the heart of our communities, delivering products and services, and creating jobs and opportunities for local people.

“Paisley 2021 is committed to supporting Renfrewshire’s business community to bring significant economic benefits to the region. Our bid to become UK City of Culture 2021 will boost communities and industries throughout Renfrewshire, and not just in the growth of our cultural and creative sectors.

and surrounding areas. They will travel here to join us in celebrating our heritage and future, spending time in our hotels, restaurants, shops and venues.

“This presents a great opportunity for all local businesses to get involved in supporting the delivery of infrastructure for our cultural year.

“Culture helps us see things differently and seeing things differently gives businesses the creative edge.

Businesses are at the heart of our communities, delivering products and services, and creating jobs and opportunities for local people.

“Paisley being UK City of Culture 2021 can be a real game changer for our local communities and economy. To help ensure the Paisley 2021 bid is successful, we need the support and enthusiasm of Renfrewshire’s people, businesses and organisations.”

Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 is expected to be lodged with the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport in spring 2017.

To find out more on Paisley 2021, visit www.paisley2021.co.uk, like Paisley2021 on Facebook or follow @Paisley2021 on Twitter and Instagram.

The Awards take place on Friday 18th November with host Fred MacAulay presenting 16 award categories at the Normandy Hotel.

To enter and book your tickets go to www.roccoawards.com. Closing date for entries is 5pm Friday 16th September.

“Being UK City of Culture will bring tens of thousands of additional visitors to the town

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CHAMBER NEWS

Pictured with the Supplementary Royal Charter with its large red seal, granted by HM The Queen to ratify the name change, are past president Steven Watson, Inverclyde Chamber Chief Executive Helen McCormick, president Linda Scott, and Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Historic name change for Greenock Chamber gets Royal approval…as first president appointed to Inverclyde Chamber It was history in the making for Greenock Chamber of Commerce, as it officially changed its name to Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce after 203 years, and appointed its first president.

The name change, to better reflect the geographies served by the organisation, followed approval by HM The Queen who, at a meeting of the Privy Council in Buckingham Palace in February, “…was graciously pleased to approve the grant of a Supplementary Charter to Greenock Chamber of Commerce…”. This ratified the name change to Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, which became official at its annual AGM. The event also saw president Steven Watson hand over the reins to Linda Scott, company leader for Global Logistics & Trade Compliance and Global Supply Chain Business Operations with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Ltd (TGCS), based at Custom House Greenock. Linda, who became a Chamber board director eight years ago, becomes the first president of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce and 120th

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president of the historical, but forward looking organisation, formed by Royal Charter in 1813.

Appointed Vice President was Gavin McDonagh, managing director of Holt Leisure Ltd, who has been a board director since 2014. Lynn Rayner, partner with Patten & Prentice solicitors, becomes junior vice president.

“Chamber is the champion of Inverclyde businesses, providing services to improve business representation, networking, knowledge, awareness and performance,” said Linda. “It has been the influential voice of business in Inverclyde since it received its Royal Charter in 1813. More than 200 years on, while our name is changing to reflect the region we serve, our focus is not. We will continue to provide valuable services along with a range of initiatives to businesses of all sizes.

“I could not be more excited about taking on the role at this time. The need for a strong voice to represent Inverclyde business has never been greater. Ours is a dynamic member-led organisation, completely independent and not for profit with one straightforward objective – to support the local business community and specifically its vibrant network of member businesses.

I look forward to leading our team as president for the next two years.”

The local Chamber consults with members and works proactively with Scottish Government, Westminster, Inverclyde Council and Scottish Chambers of Commerce, to ensure that the issues driving economic activity and growth, and any barriers threatening the region’s national and global competitiveness, are prioritised on the political agenda.

“It has been my privilege to serve as president over the past two years, when we have welcomed new businesses as members from catering to construction and insurance to shipbuilding,” said Steven, who is CEO of Stepwell. “One of the great strengths of our local Chamber is its commitment to growing a community of businesses, which collectively play a significant role in the future development of Inverclyde thanks to diversity of scale and sectorial representation. As I continue to serve on the Board as immediate past president, I wish Linda well in her two years in office at this historic time for Chamber.”

Having been established by Royal Charter in November 1813, it has been necessary for the Chamber to seek Royal approval for the name change, a process that has been ongoing since 2014, when it was agreed to proceed following a membership vote.

Prior to then, it had been felt inappropriate to proceed with a name change before the bicentenary celebrations during 2013.

CHAMBER NEWS

SVETS Online Jobs Fair - limited FREE places for Chamber SME’s Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce will be taking part in an online jobs fair in October to link Scottish exmilitary, reservist and military spouse jobseekers with employers.

The event is timed to coincide with an employer ‘summit’ hosted by Business in the Community (BITC) to discuss veterans’ employability and share best practice. Employers who wish to promote the opportunities and support they can provide to veterans and spouses are encouraged to sign up for this exciting pilot project, designed to bring employers and jobseekers together in an online careers fair environment.

The Scottish Veterans Employment and Training Service (SVETS) is a partnership between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, charities, commercial organisations and education providers designed to support veterans’ employment.

SVETS has been awarded a £7,000 grant by the Scottish Government, to help fund the job fair and, in particular, to connect small and medium-sized businesses with exmilitary jobseekers in Scotland. This funding will allow up to 30 SMEs who have confirmed job vacancies, to take part in the fair free of charge.

SaluteMyJob, in partnership with BITC Scotland, will deliver the SVETS online job fair on 24th October 2016. The aim of the event is to help employers fill some of the skills gaps with ex-military, reservist and military spouses and to help these jobseekers into employment in Scotland.

Employers who take part in the online job fair will be able to ‘meet’ jobseekers from the military community who are seeking employment in Scotland.

Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce has been heavily involved in supporting ex-forces personnel through SVETS and the ViNE programme, which supports Veterans into New Enterprise. They have also initiated a work placement scheme whereby chamber members offer short taster work placements to transitioning military personnel.

Forth Valley’s work in this area earned them a recent nomination for the Ministry of Defence Gold Award, one of only 62 businesses across the UK to be nominated.

Two gold awards were presented in Scotland,

with Forth Valley just being pipped at the post by Dundee City Council and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

CEO of Forth Valley Chamber Michelle McKearnon said, “While we were naturally disappointed not to have picked up a Gold Award, we are immensely proud to be nominated, and were the smallest organisation put forward, against much larger public sector bodies. We are honoured to be recognised as contenders and will continue our work to bring employers and ex-military job seekers together.”

Forth Valley Chamber already holds the Silver Award.

Martin Gibson, Chairman of Veterans Scotland said he was pleased to support SVETS and SaluteMyJob to promote the online job fair. He added: “This collaborative approach will provide a platform to promote the employability of those who leave the Armed Forces with a wealth of experience and talent that they can offer businesses of all sizes across Scotland.”

General Sir Nick Parker KCB CBE, Chairman of SaluteMyJob, noted the gap that currently exists between employers and ex-military jobseekers and said: “There are clear benefits SVETS offers employers from advice, to recruitment to training and

education. I am confident that, very quickly, small and medium sized employers will find that this [SVETS] is a fantastic source of high quality labour that has real potential.”

Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, said he believed service personnel have a great deal to offer employers, including a wide range of skills, experience and training that make them “significant assets to Scottish businesses.”

He added: “Many employers face skills shortages or recruitment and retention challenges which former service men and women can help to address. Veterans and their families add much value to our communities and I want to make Scotland the most attractive destination for them to settle and succeed.”

The Online Job Fair will take place on 24th October 2016, between 9.30am and 2pm.

To register – visit https://svets.omnivil.com or for more information please call Shaun Cauvin on 0131 5139750.

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CHAMBER NEWS

How Emily helped save Emtelle £20,000 Bright Green Business is a not for profit organisation that focuses on improving sustainability in Scottish businesses. One of the ways we do this is through Bright Green Placements.

The programme provides the opportunity for students and graduates to work on 8 to 12 week projects with Scottish organisations such as University of Edinburgh, Scottish Parliament and Paterson Arran. We place students and graduates in a variety of areas including sustainability awareness, waste management, marketing and business development.

Read about Emily’s placement at Emtelle UK. Having completed her first year of study at the University of Edinburgh studying Sustainable Development, Emily applied for a 10 week internship with Emtelle UK who supply telecommunications and fibre optics.

The company are committed to operating in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The project had three primary objectives which included: to complete the company’s Carbon Disclosure Project Report; to update the organisation’s Sustainability Plan and carry out an Environmental Review; and to investigate methods to reduce waste and implement these where possible. Emily successfully supported the completion of Emtelle UK’s CDP report and published an updated version of the Sustainability Plan.

She also identified over £20,000 of cost savings by diverting waste from landfill and finding innovative ways to recycle and re-use off-cuts from the organisation’s operations.

Emily also undertook several additional tasks whilst on placement and, submitted applications for the Vision in Business for the En-vironment of Scotland Awards (VIBES) delivered by the Scottish Environment Protection Awards which they won.

To hear first hand about the our Environmental Placement Programme attend our 2016 Awards Ceremony at the Scottish Parliament. Contact green@ thebusinesspartnership.org.uk for more information.

My placement at Emtelle has provided me with valuable workplace experience which has not only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the environmental sector but also allowed me to gain practical experience of some of the things I have learned about my degree.

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CHAMBER NEWS

New President sets out his vision for Fife Chamber

Peter Southcott

Debbie Miller

Fife Chamber of Commerce’s members have warmly welcomed Peter Southcott and Debbie Miller into their new appointments as President and Vice-President, respectively.

the Chamber to be the first place that Fife’s businesses go to when they need support. I want us to reach out to organisations of all sizes and sectors across the whole of the Kingdom.

The appointments were approved at the Chamber’s 2016 AGM, where Janet McIntyre from Thorntons Law also became a new board member.

“We will also continue the Chamber’s work in making the vitally important Developing the Young Workforce initiative a resounding success in Fife.

Peter takes over the role of President from John Silcock. He previously served as VicePresident for the past two years, during which time the Chamber’s membership grew and its event programme expanded. Peter is a Partner at EQ Accountants.

“With Debbie as my Vice-President, and the support of the fantastic wider team and other board members, I’m confident that we will deliver and make a real difference for our members.”

On his vision and aims for Fife Chamber and its members in the coming two years, he said: “I come into this position at a time when the Chamber’s finances are robust, its Board is strong and its governance is effective. This is due to the fantastic efforts of the previous teams.

“However, I believe there is scope for improvement and room for growth. I want

“We will work hard to ensure that Fife Chamber provides all the value, support and guidance that members need – including being a cohesive and strong voice for them on local, regional and national issues.

Mr Southcott will be supported by new VicePresident, Debbie Miller, Vice Principal at Fife College. She brings with her extensive experience in business development and education roles in organisations ranging from charities to universities including Robert Gordon and the University of Stirling.

Debbie commented: “Peter has set out some bold aspirations to take Fife Chamber forwards, and I believe we can achieve them

by working together and by listening to our members.

“As Vice-President, I am keen to assist and support Peter in all of his endeavours, to ensure that Fife Chamber of Commerce is recognised as the most valuable and prominent business network in Fife.

“In particular, I want the Chamber to always be associated with energy, innovation and a constant drive to improve. I want it to be an organisation where its members know they will always get professional service and a warm and friendly welcome.”

The Chamber’s board was also bolstered by the addition of Janet McIntyre. A seasoned lawyer, she has over nineteen years of experience, with fifteen of those spent at Thorntons Solicitors in Dundee, where she is a Partner with the firm and plays a leading role in its commercial property team. Her appointment strengthens the representation of the legal sector in Fife on the Chamber board.

Fife Chamber works to contribute positively to the Fife economy by representing its members’ interests, engaging with businesses of all types, identifying and debating issues affecting the Fife economy and lobbying locally and nationally to address business concerns.

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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 Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce Room 5, Victoria House, 5 East Blackhall Street, Greenock PA15 1HD T: 01475 806824 M: 07939 272787 E: chiefexecutive@inverclydechamber.co.uk www.inverclydechamber.co.uk Inverclyde Chamber of Chief Executive - Helen McCormick Commerce President - Linda Scott

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 - Keith 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 Chief Executive: Bob Grant President – Audrey Cumberford

Production & Design Distinctive Publishing Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Telephone 0845 884 2384 production@distinctivegroup.co.uk www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

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

PUBLISHING Disclaimer

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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CHAMBER NEWS

It’s good to talk say Ayrshire employers Business leaders in Ayrshire ranked good communication skills as their top priority when recruiting young people.

In this mobile age of text messages, Instagram and Whats App our young people have yet to develop some of the skills that most businesses still rely on including answering the telephone.

Supported by the Developing the Young Workforce and the Prince’s Trust, Greenwood

We are delighted to see young people benefiting from the initiative and developing literacy to advance Employability Skills.

Academy in Irvine secured resources to develop a skills based course to form part of the school’s response.

A unique practical learning unit with major Irvine employer VOCA Contact Centre was developed in partnership with the Faculty Leader of English and Literacy, Mrs Doig and now forms part of the curriculum.

Pupils have been working with VOCA to develop literacy assessments which are directly relevant to the world of work, whilst adhering to SQA standards. Training was based on that delivered by VOCA to new staff recruits.

A mini call centre has been set up in the school where 10 students gain experience by calling parents to validate details and also to promote school events. This will grow to 20 students next year. This service will be extended to other schools transforming them into virtual assistants.

“We are delighted to see young people benefiting from the initiative and developing literacy to advance Employability Skills”, said Walter Smith Princes Trust.

At the opening of the centre Val Russell, Chief Executive of the Ayrshire Chamber

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of Commerce, who lead the regional DYW Group, and Victoria Edwards, Managing Director from VOCA both spoke about the significance of this development and praised the work of the school.

Val Russell went on to say “Call me Greenwood is a perfect example of education, a range of stakeholders and the private sector coming together all with a common aim of supporting our young people and develop in them the skills employers are looking for. This is exactly what Developing the Young Workforce was set up to do and is a perfect example of employer engagement in action truly fulfilling the recommendations of the Wood Report.

Win! Win! The students involved in this initiate have visited VOCA call centre and have all expressed interest in future employment and given the training they have received whilst as school creates a pre trained future workforce not only for VOCA but for other businesses.

If your business would like to become involved in developing new initiatives to support young people into work please contact Gillian Cameron on 01292 678666, or gcameron@ayrshire-chamber.org

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