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BusinessScotland Scottish Chambers of Commerce Magazine

WINTER 2016/17

US Election: The End of Trade? VisitScotland CEO Reflects on 2016 Meet Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Apprentice

Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Chamber Network Connects with Businesses in London

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CONTENTS

WINTER 2016/17

41 6

20 28

TURKISH AIRLINES: DEMANDS OF MODERN BUSINESS TRAVEL BUSINESS SUCCESS AT CHAMBER AWARDS SCC ECONOMIC & BUSINESS INSIGHT US ELECTION: THE END OF TRADE?

48 40 41

INSIGHT FROM BOB KEILLER, CHAIRMAN, SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE VISITSCOTLAND: TAKING IT ONE YEAR AT A TIME SCOTTISH & LONDON BUSINESSES CONNECT AT CHAMBER BUSINESS TRIP ENGINEER IS SCOTLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOP APPRENTICE

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Business Partners

52 70 88 92

BUSINESS MENTORING UPSIDE & DOWNSIDE TO ONLINE & VIRTUAL CURRENCY CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

SPACE Accountancy career opportunity:

EXPLORATION

Millions of opportunities. One global qualiďŹ cation. accaglobal.com/students

FOREWORD

2016: A Year to Remember As we look back and reflect on 2016, this will be a year many of us will remember as a landmark year of economic uncertainty, political upheaval and a series of unpredictable events.

Nora Senior

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

Having travelled all around Scotland, meeting with Chambers and businesses, I know that business is resilient and we are used to dealing with enormous change and challenge. On the global stage, there is continuing uncertainty on the growth of global economies and emerging markets. There is no predicting how the economic and political changes will impact on the Scottish and UK economy. But as businesses, we need to understand how we can deal with the situation we find ourselves in and we need to effectively plan and manage risks and opportunities. So it is up to each one of us to prepare for 2017 by identifying business goals, motivate and build enthusiastic teams, energise our customer bases and expand our market base, domestically and internationally. More than ever business needs to be vocal and inform Governments of what we need to sustain growth and it is equally as important for Government to provide plenty of opportunity for consultation so our views are heard and acted upon. Most recently,

the SCC Network met with the First Minister for an open session on our views on the economy and the political situation and, I have no doubt that the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and our Network will continue to champion and be the voice of Scottish business as we look ahead to 2017. As I look back at 2016, our Network has had tremendous success in setting the conversation, making sure growth of our economy is the top priority of Governments. From promoting the needs of young people and establishing Developing Young Workforce panels across Scotland, to representing member views through our

long-running economic survey, to new partnerships with London Stock Exchange and Turkish Airlines and enabling business growth through our Business Mentoring service, I look forward to continuing this work into 2017. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our readers, for supporting the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network and I wish you, your employees and your families a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. All the best, Nora @NoraSenior1

Contributors Liz Cameron OBE

Malcolm Roughead

Ian Hughes

Declan Collier

Allan Hogarth

Bill Magee

Chief Executive, SCC

Chief Executive, London City Airport

Chief Executive, VisitScotland

Executive Director, Scottish North American Business Council

Chief Executive, Consumer Intelligence

Technology Commentator

Bob Keiller

Chairman, Scottish Enterprise

Business Scotland

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Demands of Modern Business Travel Despite living in the digital era, face-to-face and on-site meetings are still a crucial element in facilitating businesses and maintaining relationships. The demands of doing business in the modern world adds increasing pressure to companies when seeking solutions for their business travel needs, especially international air travel. Take a look at the top 5 necessities for any corporate traveller. Price: Companies are conscious of controlling their expenditures, when it once was the norm to travel Business class, many are now opting for lower cost alternatives. Hence, competitive pricing in both classes, Business and Economy, is the key deciding factor for the business traveller. Turkish Airlines offers exclusive Corporate Club programmes to businesses of all sizes, in Scotland with frequent discounts in both Business and Economy Classes with increased baggage allowance as standard. Flexibility: The need to make and change bookings on the go is now a necessity for businesses to keep up with the pace of changing circumstances. Rescheduling and cancelling travel plans at the last minute happens regularly, meaning airlines need to adapt to this new way of working. Plans change and the travel itinerary must adapt at a moment’s notice. Turkish Airlines Corporate Club programme offers flexibility with free re-booking, re-routing and, in some cases, even refunds.

Business Scotland

Service: The seasoned business traveller is all too familiar with the never-ending “road” from one destination to the next. Consequently, services on offer need to cater to this fact. Whether it be the food and amenities, transit facilities or customer service, business travellers now require service reaching above and beyond general expectation. All of Turkish Airlines flights offer delicious, complimentary on-board catering for every passenger. Customer Service is an integral part of all packages, with a dedicated team based at Edinburgh Airport. The awardwinning business lounge facilities designed for transfer passengers, features everything from suite rooms for longer layovers to luxuries including the in-lounge golf simulator.

countries than any other airline and has departures from Edinburgh. Asia, the Middle East and Africa will all be at your fingertips.

Ease of Access: Connections from Scotland to the rest of the world have increased rapidly, enabling a new ease of access from Edinburgh to global destinations. Passengers require straight-forward itineraries, removing the hassle out of an already hectic schedule. Turkish Airlines flies to more

To find out more and apply for the Turkish Corporate Club programme call 0131 333 1282 or email edi.marketing@thy.com

No Strings Attached: The modern traveller desires an extensive list of requirements. As a result, companies benefit from being flexible with their contracts and fluid with their offers in order to keep modern travellers loyal, pleased and comfortable. With no membership or exit fees, Turkish Airlines Corporate Club comes complete with Business counter check-in and lounge access in the membership country. If you’re a member of a Chamber of Commerce in Scotland, then you have access to all these benefits right now.

CHAMBER NEWS

Annual Business Awards of Renfrewshire Chamber A sell–out crowd of 500 people watched 16 awards presented at the ROCCO’s on Friday 18th Nov at the Normandy Hotel, Renfrew the annual business awards of Renfrewshire Chamber. The area’s premier business event, now in its thirteenth year was sponsored by Paisley 2021 for UK City of Culture. Chamber President Audrey Cumberford (Chief exec & Principal of West College Scotland) gave a warm welcome to the audience and highlighted the chambers successes in the last 12 months. She emphasised the opportunity for Renfrewshire with record investment planned via the Glasgow City Region City Deal and the potential of winning the City of Culture bid. Council Leader Mark Macmillan gave the main sponsor address and urged companies and individuals alike to hit the “back the bid” button via the 2021 website. Paisley’s own megastar Paolo Nutini had a video message for the audience to encourage their support and the difference culture can make for young people was highlighted by Street Stuff’s Ben Milne & Mark Kerr. Rocco favourite Fred MacAulay hosted and was impressed by the performances of 3 piece girl group Loxi, Singer Lisa Kowalski and an energetic 2021 themed piece by Pace Theatre Co. The ROCCO raffle raised £8,000 for local charities and good causes with St Vincent’s Hospice and Street Stuff Culture Bus Project the main charities of the year. ROCCO Award for Excellence in Customer Services – Sponsored by Scottish Leather Group Winner – intu Braehead ROCCO Award for Enterprise in Education – Sponsored by University of the West of Scotland Winner – DirectDevitt Comedy Management & Productions CIC ROCCO Award for Innovation & Technology – Sponsored by Hillington Park Winner – Rolls-Royce ROCCO Award for Excellence in Manufacturing – Sponsored by Winner- Diageo ROCCO Award for International Trade – Sponsored by Glasgow Airport Winner – Bridge of Weir Leather ROCCO Award for Invest in Renfrewshire – Sponsored by Invest in Renfrewshire Winner – I Am Me Scotland

Commenting on the awards, Chamber chief executive Bob Grant said “a huge thank you to all our sponsors, those who donated prizes for our raffle and a hearty congratulations to all the finalists and winners. Our 13th ROCCO was lucky for 16 winners and a great success. You can view all images on the chamber Facebook page and comments on #2016Rocco. I encourage all Rocco winners to utilise their win across their PR channels. Thank you to the entire Chamber team for all their work before and on the night to ensure ROCCO Award for Most Promising New Business – Sponsored by Business Gateway Winner – PowerTek ROCCO Award for Renfrewshire’s Favourite Business – Sponsored by Paisley Daily Express Winner – Origins Fitness ROCCO Award for Family Business of the Year – Sponsored by The Malcolm Group Winner – Stafffinders ROCCO Award for Young Business Person of the Year – Sponsored by West College Scotland Winner – Fraser Gordon, The Detailing Factory ROCCO Award for Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Rolls-Royce Winner – Boston Networks

our 500 guests had a great time. Special thanks to principle sponsor Paisley 2021, Diageo who supplied our drinks reception, Cameron Presentations & Gap TV for all the AV, The Printbrokers for the program, Gary from NS Design for the excellent social media coverage and Normandy Hotel for a tasty meal. Finally thanks to Loxi, Lisa Kowalski and Pace Theatre Co. for entertaining us so well. Planning for Rocco 2017 is already underway and we hope to see you enter and attend next year.” ROCCO Award for Outstanding Performing Business <5 FTE – Sponsored by intu Braehead Winner – Kenneth Keegan Independent Funeral Directors ROCCO Award for Outstanding Performing Business 5<25 FTE – Sponsored by Renfrewshire Council Winner – Braehead Clan ROCCO Award for Outstanding Performing Business >25 FTE – Sponsored by Clyde Marine Training Winner – Glasgow Airport ROCCO Award for Business Leader of the Year – Sponsored by DIAGEO Winner – Andrew Malcolm, MD The Malcolm Group

ROCCO Award for Community Champion – Sponsored by Engage Renfrewshire & RBS Winner – Active Communities

Business Scotland

CHAMBER NEWS

WorldHost Recognised Destination for Elgin Elgin has achieved WorldHost Recognised Destination status giving a boost to tourism in the area and recognising good customer service across the businesses who have signed up to the scheme. WorldHost is recognised across the world as a badge of high quality customer service. Elgin received the Worldhost status after a number of businesses signed up to the programme and put at least half their front line staff through the training programme. Using WorldHost customer service training allowed them to show their business commitment to providing excellent customer service to existing and new customers. The Beechtree restaurant; Business Gateway; Carden Holiday Cottages; city of Elgin BID; Crafted; the Drouthy Cobbler; Gordon & MacPhail; Heather Glen Bed & Breakfast; In Stitches, Buckie Yarns – two of Moray Reach Out enterprises; Johnstons of Elgin; Moray Chamber of Commerce; Moray Firth Tours; Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival; Sunninghill Hotel and Xanadu Ladies Fashions are all now WorldHost recognised businesses in their own right. In addition over 100 students studying hospitality at Moray College UHI also underwent the training. WorldHost is an internationally recognised programme that brings about a new industry benchmark that businesses and their operators can use to ensure that high quality customer service standards are integral to their operation. It has already been used to train over 10 per cent of Scotland’s tourism workforce and represents an investment of over £2million since it was launched in Scotland. The Moray Economic Partnership is leading the roll out of the initiative across Moray, under its Tourism and Culture Group with its goal to have MoraySpeyside awarded WorldHost Regional Destination status. Gill Neill, Manager of Embrace Elgin said “We are delighted to have gained WorldHost Recognised Destination status for the city. It shows the commitment that the businesses have to delivering world class customer service. We are confident that over the coming months more will take advantage and get involved. We have been working on this initiative for some time through the

Business Scotland

Back row left to right: David Ross Moray Firth Tours; Andrew Anderson HIE, Jonathan Orr, Sunninghill Hotel; Angela Wimble, Heather Glen; Clare Purday, Kirsten Hendry, Brenda Bissett and Emma Reid all Gordon & MacPhail; Second row: Louise Beresford, Crafted; Sarah Medcraf, Moray Chamber of Commerce. Front row: Gill Neill, Elgin BID; Aileen Laurie and Shirley Nicoll of In Stitches; Sine Macdonald, Elgin Bid; Gail Cleaver, Johnstons of Elgin; Laurie Piper, Moray Speyside Tourism; Lara Ross and Sharon Thomson, Johnstons of Elgin.

Moray Economic Partnership and want to thank the management group for their commitment and support. We also need to say a huge thanks to Dave Stewart Director of the Highland Retail Academy, Dave has been involved on the programme since we started looking at WorldHost and we could not have got to where we are today without him.” Angela Wimble of Heather Glen Guest House in Elgin said: “Scotland is known for its warm hospitality and having run a Guest House for 11 years with many repeat customers I hoped that my hospitality and customer service was one of the main factors in bringing people back. When I heard about World Host I thought it was a great idea, the day course was fun and reinforced my approach to customer service and made me feel confident that I was doing everything right. Being able to display my

certificate on the premises and the logo on my website and social media will help customers know that they will be getting an excellent welcome and service when they stay with us.” David Allen, Director (Scotland) at People 1st, said: “I am delighted that we are celebrating Elgin’s WorldHost Destination status. It’s fantastic to see the commitment that so many local businesses have made to delivering excellent service and becoming WorldHost Recognised. While the immediate benefits of great customer service are clear, it is also vital for the long-term, future success of tourism in Scotland, too. Employers see it as the most important skill needed in their business in the next five years.” For more information, prices and for a course near you see: www.facebook.com/ morayspeysideworldhost.

FOCUS ON LEGAL – WJM LLP

The Rights and Wrongs of Workplace Monitoring Martin Stephen is an Employment Law specialist and works principally, although not exclusviely, for employers in relation to employment and work-related issues.

Evolving technology means companies can monitor their employees more closely than ever, but sometimes surveillance can go too far. Martin Stephen, employment lawyer at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP explains what employers need to know to stay on the right side of the law. Workplace monitoring in certain circumstances such as safeguarding workers against the risk of unsafe working practices; ensuring compliance with policies; or where it is a regulatory requirement, can be perfectly lawful. However employers can only exercise that right for legitimate business purposes which protects the interests of the employer, its customers or suppliers or workers, or guards against or detects criminal activity. If an employer decides to introduce any form of workplace monitoring the following principles should be observed:

Policies & Procedures Workers must be clearly notified they are being monitored and the form which that monitoring will take. Importantly, they must know and consent to how personal information about them is obtained and how it is to be used. Employers should have written policies in place clearly setting out the nature of the monitoring, the basis upon which it will take place and why monitoring is necessary. If policies are well defined and clearly communicated, most employees should be aware that they are about to break the rules before they do.

Adequate Justification Monitoring should not be excessive and must be justified. For example the use of CCTV to ensure staff safety or security by preventing theft or violence is justified. However if the location of a surveillance camera meant a number of workstations were in view, and employees’ everyday activities were being monitored, this could constitute excessive monitoring.

Proportionate Checks The law allows proportionate checks on employees’ communications but only where this is done for a legitimate business reason. Employers policies should set out what permitted and prohibited in relation to the use of company computers, telephones, internet, Wi-Fi and mobile devices, as well as personal devices used for work purposes. Critically, the policies should set out the reasons for, and extent of, the employer’s monitoring of IT systems and devices used in the workplace. This will help to establish that such monitoring is proportionate.

Data Protection Act If employers monitor workers by collecting or using information, the Data Protection Act will apply. Any material retained from the monitoring of workers should be kept secure and only retained for such period as is reasonably necessary. Employers must not use personal information for any purpose other than that for which the monitoring was introduced, unless it

is in the worker’s interest to do so or it reveals activities that “no employer could reasonably be expected to ignore”.

Covert Monitoring In rare circumstances, covert monitoring may be justified. However, employers must have a genuine reason for carrying out covert monitoring such as criminal activities or malpractice. The monitoring must be carefully controlled and carried out over as short a period as possible and for part of a specific investigation. Any material collected must be destroyed immediately once its purpose has been served.

Physical Searches All searches, particularly a search of the person or a worker, must be carried out with dignity and respect by someone of the same gender as the worker. If a worker refuses to comply they cannot be subjected to a search or testing. However, properly drafted policies in respect of the above and disciplinary procedures will provide that a failure to comply is a stand-alone disciplinary offence, which could result in dismissal. This is an overview of privacy in the workplace and is not intended as an authoritative guide. If you have any specific questions in relation to workplace monitoring please contact a member of the WJM Employment Team. WJM is a full service Scottish Independent Law Firm.

Law for your Life - Law for your Business 302 St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5RZ Tel: 0141 248 3434 Fax: 0141 221 1226

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

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

www.wjm.co.uk

Business Scotland

CHAMBER NEWS

The Glasgow Business Awards 2016 Around 700 business people and their guests attended the glittering Glasgow Business Awards 2016, organised by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Bank of Scotland, at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. The award ceremony, with 16 categories all recognising the excellence of business in the city, was hosted by popular Scottish entertainer Fred MacAulay. In opening the proceedings, Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council, told the audience that Glasgow has dramatically transformed itself over the last 25 years. He said this would not have been possible without a “dynamic, creative and inventive business community.” He said Scotland’s challenges would be met with ‘great commitment, great courage and great innovation’ and Glasgow, named as the Entrepreneurial Region of the Year, still had the fastest growing economy in any British city outside of London.” He also commended the work that the Chamber has done with the City over a number of years. The audience was officially welcomed by Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, who thanked the Leader of the Council, and said the Chamber was delighted to be celebrating business success in Glasgow along with partners from government, business and academia. “The Chamber warmly welcomes the leadership that the City Council provides in encouraging business growth. We look

The Glasgow Business Awards 2016 Winners

forward to supporting the City’s excellent work through the likes of the Glasgow Economic Leadership, the City Centre Strategy Board, and the Invest Glasgow Team, who are taking the message out to investors that Scotland’s largest city should be on their shortlist.” Neil Amner, President of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, gave a brief outline of the Chamber’s response to Brexit and reminded the audience that the Chamber’s duty was to “support, strengthen and grow our international connections.” He spoke about the Memoranda of Understanding with Manhattan and Milan and how these will be expanded over the coming year. He said he looked forward to the publication of Glasgow’s new economic strategy, which

involved the Chamber and the City Council, and the delivery of the City Deal which will deliver significant investment in Glasgow. Craig Pollock, Area Director for SMEs Scotland for Bank of Scotland, said he was pleased his bank was supporting many Glasgow businesses and remained open for the thousands of SMEs in the city. Guest speaker, Dr Lena C Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, told the audience that she was a proud Glaswegian. “I’ve been really fortunate to have an international career for over 30 years and a huge part of my own personal brand is that I’m from Glasgow. I’ve learned that my voice, accent and upbringing are natural assets and create a real warmth in relationships.”

Winners Bank of Scotland Award for Most Outstanding Business Winner: Glasgow Airport Ltd Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Business (1-10 employees) Sponsored by: Glasgow City Council Winner: Synergie Environ Ltd Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Business (11-50 employees) Sponsored by: Invest Glasgow Winner: EVM Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Business (51 employees or over) Sponsored by: Glasgow School for Business and Society, Glasgow Caledonian University Winner: Glasgow Airport Ltd Glasgow Business Award for Sustainable Development Sponsored by: Scottish Water Winner: St. Enoch Centre

Business Scotland

Glasgow Business Award for Green Champion Sponsored by: ScottishPower Winner: Revive Eco

Glasgow Business Award for Innovation in Business Sponsored by: MadeBrave® Winner: Clyde Space

Glasgow Business Award for Young Business Person of the Year Sponsored by: City of Glasgow College Winner: Craig Chambers, TBR Global Ltd

Glasgow Business Award for Creative Marketing Winner: Barrhead Travel

Glasgow Business Award for Innovation in Youth Employment Sponsored by: Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow working in partnership with Glasgow City Council Winner: NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Glasgow Business Award for Family Business of the Year Sponsored by: City Building LLP Winner: McGhee Group Limited Glasgow Business Award for Excellence in Communications Sponsored by: Connect Winner: Golden Charter Ltd

Glasgow Business Award for Excellence in Customer Service Winner: Glasgow Airport Ltd Glasgow Business Award for People Development Winner: City Building LLP Evening Times Award for Glasgow’s Favourite Business Winner: Mono Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Award for Lifetime Achievement Winner: Jonathan Muirhead OBE

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Caledonian MacBrayne named as the Living Wage Foundation’s Scottish Champion 2016 West coast ferry operator CalMac has been named today (Monday October 31) as Scottish Living Wage Champion for 2016. In August 2015, CalMac became the UK’s first ferry company to gain Living Wage Foundation accreditation and also the first major transport operator in Scotland. Indeed, CalMac remains the only UK ferry operator with Living Wage accreditation, which was earned by David MacBrayne Ltd – CalMac’s holding company – and extends to all areas of the business, including Argyll Ferries; a total of some 1,500 staff. More than 600 companies and organisations in Scotland are Living Wage Foundation accredited, making up 3,000 employers across the UK as a whole. Only 27 of these are transport related. The award was presented at the Living Wage Expo Conference in Glasgow by Director of The Poverty Alliance, Peter Kelly, and was received on behalf of David MacBrayne by CalMac’s Managing Director Martin Dorchester. “We are extremely proud to receive this award,” said Martin. “Gaining Living Wage Foundation accreditation was very important to us. We already prided ourselves on paying more than the Living Wage across the board, but the accreditation was and, indeed, remains a long term commitment to our staff. “We have led the way in our own industry and we hope that others will choose to follow. For us it was quite simply the right thing to do. It is absolutely appropriate that staff who work hard for the company and show immense loyalty should be afforded the dignity of living well. “Our support for the real Living Wage also underlines our commitment, in a broader sense, to some of the UK’s most economically fragile areas and communities, with the offer of good and well-rewarded careers.” The Minister for Employability and Training, Jamie Hepburn, said: “I would like to congratulate CalMac on becoming the Scottish Living Wage Champion for 2016. The Scottish Government has long championed the payment of the real Living Wage, recognising the big difference it can make to the lives of people working in Scotland. “It is not only the 80% of employees in Scotland who are now paid at least the Living Wage which gain, but also the many businesses, like CalMac, who benefit

CalMac’s Director of Stakeholders and Communities Brian Fulton, Director of Human Resources Christine Roberts and Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance

through better staff morale and increased productivity. Investing in your workforce through the Living Wage is the right thing to do and it makes good business sense.”

“We know employers are some of the best ambassadors for the benefits of the real Living Wage and how it impacts positively in the lives of families and communities.”

The awards celebrate organisations which have done the most to implement, promote and celebrate the Living Wage in their area. Judges looked for evidence that those considered for the award had gone above and beyond to promote the real Living Wage, as well as to let the public know about their own achievements. Living Wage accreditation is managed by The Poverty Alliance in Scotland.

Accreditation involves rigorous interrogation of a company or organisation’s pay structure both to its own employees and any contracted workers. It also required the David MacBrayne group to prove that this higher pay commitment was extended to regular contractors, who must also comply.

An independent report last year by the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde found that CalMac staff members have an average of 13.6 years’ service each and that they earn around 12 per cent above the national Scottish average - an indicator of the fact that, for many years, the dignity afforded by a good wage has had a direct correlation with high staff retention and loyalty The Poverty Alliance’s Peter Kelly said: “Congratulations to CalMac on being named the 2016 Living Wage Champion Award winner in Scotland. “They beat a tough field and the judges were impressed with the range of activities the company undertook over the year. CalMac are one of over 600 Living Wage accredited employers across Scotland.

All employers are expected to pay the UK government’s National Living Wage (NLW) – effectively an increase and renaming of the minimum wage – which was introduced in April this year. It guarantees that those aged 25 and over must receive a minimum of £7.20 an hour. People under 25 will still receive the lower minimum wage. But CalMac, along with 600+ other Scottish companies and a total of around 3,000 across the UK, is one of those going above and beyond any basic statutory commitment by signing up to the Living Wage Foundation’s higher rates – also known as the Real Living Wage. The Real Living Wage, which CalMac has signed up to, goes much further. Set by the Living Wage Foundation its minimum level is now £8.45 per hour for anyone over 18 – it is already £1.25 per hour more than the NLW. The Real Living Wage is reviewed on an annual basis and adjusted accordingly.

Business Scotland

CHAMBER NEWS

Inspiring City Awards 2016: People Make Glasgow

Winners of the Inspiring City Awards 2016

Winners The Inspiring City Awards have paid tribute to the people and businesses who make Glasgow great. Around 400 luminaries gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel for a gala awards ceremony organised by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and The Herald. Now in its fourth year, the prize giving kicked off with a performance by De Quorum, Glasgow’s saxophone quartet, and was hosted by BBC newsreader Catriona Shearer. Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Glasgow is ambitious, inventive, entrepreneurial and welcoming because our people and businesses are - I am therefore delighted to see so many outstanding individuals and organisations recognised at these prestigious awards.” The ceremony, run in association with the PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW brand, had 11 partners including: AHR Architects; amiEXECUTIVE; Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow; European Championships Glasgow 2018; Glasgow Airport; Glasgow School for Business and Society, Glasgow Caledonian University; Glasgow Taxis; Hacking and Paterson Management Services; Loretto Care, Part of Wheatley Group; The Watson Foundation and Virgin Trains.

Business Scotland

Art And Culture Award Supported By: Ahr Architects Winner: Glasgow Women’s Library Education Award Supported By: Glasgow Taxis Winner: John Wheatley Learning Network Carer(S) Of The Year Award Supported By: Loretto Care, Part Of Wheatley Group Winner: Glasgow Council On Alcohol Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award Supported By: Glasgow School For Business And Society, Glasgow Caledonian University Winner: Seric Systems Limited Environment Award Supported By: Virgin Trains Winner: Revive Eco Ltd People Make Glasgow Award Supported By: People Make Glasgow Winner: Richard Mcshane Industry And Business Award Supported By: The Herald Winner: Allied Vehicles Outstanding Contribution By A Business Leader Supported By: Amiexecutive Winner: Petra Wetzel, West Brewery, Bar and Restaurant

Outstanding Contribution By A Young Business Leader Supported By: The Watson Foundation Winner: Andrew Duncan, Swarmonline Industry And Young People Innovation Award Supported By: Developing The Young Workforce Glasgow Winner: Scottishpower Engineering Foundation Programme (PreApprenticeship) Sport Award Supported By: European Championships Glasgow 2018 Winner: Homeless World Cup Legacy Award Supported By: Hacking And Paterson Management Services Winner: Pinkston Watersports Centre Judges’ Award Supported By: Glasgow Chamber Of Commerce Winner: Dr M Mozammel Huq Lifetime Achievement Award Supported By: Glasgow Airport Recipient: Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak (DBE, MD, FRCP, FAHA, FRSE, FMEDSCI)

LUFTHANSA

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

A combined total of over 436,000 passengers travelling in and out of the country last year proved once again that discerning travellers appreciate the way Lufthansa has responded to the challenges of the travel market in the face of ever-increasing competition from low-cost airlines. To maintain the leading position in the market Lufthansa must be better than anyone else in terms of product, service and reliability. Lufthansa services recently recorded the best figures for punctuality in its history with over 85% of all flights leaving Frankfurt and Munich within 15 minutes of scheduled departure time. As well as providing direct links from Aberdeen and Edinburgh to Frankfurt and Brussels the services also offer the country’s quickest and easiest onward connections. Lufthansa’s network of over 280 destinations in 80 countries worldwide includes around 60 of the world’s key oil and energy markets in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

Lufthansa also continues to enhance the onboard experience for customers. In addition the traditional economy, business and some first class cabins the large number of Scottish passengers who take onward connections now have the added option of a high quality premium economy product on Lufthansa long-haul services. The new seat is wider and can be tilted further back so has increased personal space by about half compared to Economy. A separate wide armrest for each seat and a centre console between the seats also ensure extra privacy. The adjustable headrest can be folded at the sides and gives comfortable support. Height adjustable footrests from the second row and - for design reasons - leg supports with integrated footrest in the front row provide additional comfort. Premium economy passengers also benefit from twice as much free baggage allowance as in Economy Class with two pieces of luggage up to 23 kg each. An upgraded on board experience also allows them to

control the extensive in-flight entertainment programme with their own touch-screen (screen size from 11 to 12 inches - 28 to 30 centimetres). Each seat also offers a USB port and an electrical outlet so passengers can use their own devices. PartnerPlusBenefit provides business travellers with membership of the world’s biggest business travel reward programme allowing them to earn reward points on all booking classes. Members can earn and spend points on all ten airlines in the programme in one easy to manage account. No other similar programme in this country includes so many carriers working together in that way. Members are then able to choose from a wide ranging 13 options when redeeming loyalty points. These include award flights, upgrades, cash-back, hotel eGiftcards valid in over 100,000 hotels worldwide and airport parking.

Business Scotland

51 INFANTRY BRIGADE

Army Reserves reach out to the business community Over the past year Army Reserve Units throughout Scotland have offered businesses and communities, small, medium and large, the chance to experience a taste of what the military does best – teamwork, personal development and leadership – with the view that the experience gained will not only benefit the individual but also their workplace or group. Business Scotland

Stretching mental capabilities and challenging the brawn, events such as Executive Stretch, the Intelligence Game and Ex Brief Encounter 2 are recent examples of how the Armed Forces can develop bespoke courses to suit the need of everyone. Following the success of last year’s Exercise Executive Stretch, the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) are excited to once again be organising the event on behalf of 51 Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland in 2017. New to the post of Executive Officer SNIY, Major James Hood, gives an outline of the programme: “Our overall aim is to give Army Reservist employers and the wider Scottish

Community a unique insight into the Armed Forces leadership and teamwork programme – areas that we are consistently developing in our soldiers and ones that can benefit both the individuals and their workplace; Ex Executive Stretch will give those attending an enjoyable opportunity to experience decision making, under some physical and mental pressure, where individuals are out of their comfort zone.” “We hope that you are able to attend and make Ex Executive Stretch 2017 another hugely successful and rewarding event.” The Intelligence Game, on the other hand, is completely cerebral, taking place in the comfort of a conference facility, but, nonetheless just as much a challenge on teamwork and leadership.

51 INFANTRY BRIGADE

5 Military Intelligence Battalion (5MI Bn), an Army Reserve Unit based at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh..

Muslim Youth group, aged between 16 – 25 years, a leadership & teambuilding activity day at Redford Barracks.

Commanding Officer of 5MI Bn, Lieutenant Colonel Nat Haden commented:

The day was divided into Analytical Analysis, Vehicle recovery, problem solving and an assault course all of which delivered by the Army Reserve Units - 5 MI Bn, 106 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), 105 Royal Artillery (RA) and the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) respectively.

“This event is a great opportunity to showcase the similarity between the analytical skills used in the Military Intelligence and business worlds. Over the course of the testing three hours it was fantastic to see how the teams tackled the unique and rewarding challenge that we had given them, producing some excellent results. We have really enjoyed working alongside our business colleagues.” Zaynah Mohammed, project manager working out of the Edinburgh based Fujitsu Office has already experienced teambuilding and personal development exercise with the Army Reserves – she attended the two day “Executive Stretch 2016” held in July. “I loved the physical side of the Army experience earlier in the year so much so that I decided to take up this opportunity; I don’t normally get to do things like this in work – our CPD is just job or industry based.” Aviva from Perth were the overall winners of the Glasgow event fighting off strong competition from Fujitsu, Harper McLeod, Thales and the Procurator Fiscals office. Brainstorming, link analysis, association matrix and pattern analysis were all part of the approach to solving the puzzle led by

“I found the mental challenge very interesting; I really enjoyed it and it was useful to see how the team worked under pressure.” Responsible for connecting with youth and ethnic minority communities Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Williams facilitated Ex Brief Encounter giving twenty five members of a

Adrian, from 51 Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, based in Stirling explained: “The Army are very keen to nurture relationships and develop understanding of the ethnic minority communities and this was a wonderful opportunity for us to gain the Muslim Youth’s perceptions of the military in Scotland.” Ali Abbas Hussnain was delighted with the chance to find out more about the Army and Army Reserve: “It has gone a long way towards deepening our understanding between the Armed Forces and members of the Muslim Community. It’s been incredibly enjoyable and is something we hope to sustain and build on.” The next Executive Stretch will take place between 5 -7 May 2017. For further details on this, the Intelligence Game, Brief Encounter or courses to suit your need, please contact Major Cameron Humpheries e mail 51X-Engt-Employer-SO2@mod.uk or ring for a chat on 0131 310 3753/552.

Business Scotland

CHAMBER NEWS

Innovation and Investment in Caithness Over the past 12 months, Caithness has become a real hive of activity, with major national projects beginning to take material form.

generating first power, which is now being exported. Over time, 269 turbines will be installed here, making it the world’s largest tidal energy farm.

For a number of years, the far north has been viewed by key players in the renewables industry as a potential centre for operations which will see Scotland hailed among the most important energy sites in Europe, if not globally.

The second big announcement, made by SSE in October, confirmed that the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd (BOWL) Operations and Maintenance base will be created in Wick, regenerating two disused industrial buildings in the town’s historic Lower Pulteneytown, which overlooks Wick Harbour.

With so much groundwork having been laid behind the scenes, 2016 has finally seen real, tangible development as the promise of investment and industry begins to materialise into a physical presence. The largest and most widely recognised of these is the MeyGen development in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth, which can be seen progressing on a daily basis from the mainland at John O’Groats and Gills Bay. In October, ballast blocks were successfully installed on the seabed, with local supply chain companies such as Scrabster Harbour and JGC Engineering & Technical services playing a key role, and early November saw the first of four 1.5MW turbines fitted and

Business Scotland

This will have a huge impact on the area, with benefits for residents, future employees and local businesses alike, with the potential to enhance the heritage of the site as well as general quality of life for the community. Following discussions with Wick Harbour Authority, BOWL has proposed the removal of a disused slipway, aiming to replace it with pontoons providing safe berthing for the project’s vessels, further developing the harbour quay’s facilities. The MeyGen and BOWL projects have made a vital injection into the health of the county’s harbours at Wick, Gills and Scrabster, the

latter having also undergone substantial upgrading including the addition of Jubilee Quay, giving cause for the substantial upgrade of facilities and enabling them to meet growing demand for services here. In addition to the creation of many new jobs, and utilisation of the area’s skilled and diverse businesses in contractual works, the expansion and upgrade of the harbours makes the attraction of future initiatives taking root here viable. The success seen by Atlantis with MeyGen has heralded the arrival of a whole new industry in the form of marine energy, and Caithness is now primed to stand at the forefront of this innovation. Meanwhile, the long-term investment confirmed by BOWL in the infrastructure at the heart of Wick will ensure stable, consistent progress in the county’s economic and employment opportunities. And, of course, Caithness Chamber of Commerce will be on hand throughout this exciting new journey to facilitate relations between the project leaders and local stakeholders.

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.

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.

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CHAMBER POLICY

SCC Economic & Business Insight Hot topics - Insight & Views from Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Liz Cameron OBE

Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Whenever the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network asks its members about which business taxes need to be addressed, the number one answer that keeps coming back is business rates. This tax has been devolved to the Scottish Parliament from the very outset of devolution and we have long argued on behalf of our members for this tax to be made simpler, more accountable and more affordable.

Business Rates The Scottish Government has at last implemented an independent review of business rates, with Ken Barclay, the former Chairman of RBS, at the helm. This review is currently ongoing and, with the help of our members, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network has submitted our recommendations to change the way in which business rates operate in Scotland. In doing so, we have highlighted what we see as the deficiencies of the present system, including: The lack of responsiveness of the tax to changing economic conditions. During the last recession, business profitability decreased and the UK Government cut rates of VAT, so the revenues from these taxes decreased. However, business rates valuations were pegged to pre-recession levels and bills rose each year in line with the retail price index, meaning that business rates revenues have

Business Scotland

increased year on year from £2.1 billion in 2010-11 to £2.8 billion in 2016-17. The bureaucratic nature of the system. In Scotland, valuations are calculated by 14 regional assessors and billing arrangements are handled by 32 local authorities. In England and Wales, there is a single body – the Valuation Office Agency – which assesses properties for rates purposes across the entire country. The Appeals System is not seen as impartial and is more restrictive in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK. A recent report by the Scottish Committee of the Administrative Justice & Tribunals Council has raised a number of concerns, including the impartiality of the Valuation Appeal Committee System and lack of adequate training for its members. In addition, recent court decisions have severely restricted some rights of appeal in Scotland in comparison with England. Business rates discourage investment. If a business invests in its premises, then its rateable value increases and its rates bill goes up even before the business has had a chance to recoup the costs of investment. If the government wants businesses to invest, then why is it penalising investment? Having identified these challenges, we have developed a package of solutions that the Scottish Government should implement in order to deliver the reform that businesses are looking for. These include: The creation of a single Scottish Assessor’s Office in order to reduce bureaucracy. Reform of the appeals system to enable a fair valuation for every property in Scotland.

Have revaluations at least every three years, rather than the present five, in order for business rates to be more responsive to changes in economic conditions. Take businesses that pay no rates out of the rating system. Where a small business has had a full rebate on its rates bill under the Small Business Bonus scheme and there have been no changes to its circumstances, why should it continue to be assessed for rates? Change the basis of annual rates increases from RPI to CPI inflation. Businesses would save a substantial sum of money over the next few years if annual increases were held to the lower Consumer Price Index measure of inflation rather than the higher Retail Price Index measure that has applied in the past. Incentivise business start-ups and investment. Business rates reliefs should encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and investment, with new reliefs being created to exempt new businesses from rates for their first year and to delay the point where businesses become liable for increased rates bills following investment to improve or expand premises. We believe that these and other measures will help deliver a fairer and more competitive business rates regime in Scotland and we hope that the Barclay Review will use this as a basis for fundamental reform of the system when it publishes its final report in the summer of 2017. Doing nothing on business rates is no longer an option for Scotland. We need to act quickly to gain a competitive edge.

CHAMBER POLICY

Enterprise and Skills Review

Airport Expansion Whilst it is welcome that at long last, the UK Government has come to a decision on airport expansion in the south east of England, we remain concerned that there are still delays ahead in this process. The news that it will take up to a year to secure final Parliamentary approval for the project is yet another unnecessary delay to delivering vital infrastructure investment in the UK. London’s major airports are continuing to operate at or near capacity and the longer it takes before work starts on expansion, the further behind our competitor nations we will fall in terms of connectivity. Now more than ever, Scotland’s businesses need to be connected to the world, as we look to secure trading links the world over and encourage more of our businesses to export, particularly our small and medium sized businesses. Investors are looking for the green light from Government to push the button and get the Heathrow development underway, and Scottish businesses will be looking to win contracts and create jobs.

Scotland’s business and economic environment are constantly evolving and it is right that the public sector infrastructure around the delivery of enterprise and skills evolves with it. That is why I believe that the Scottish Government’s enterprise and skills review is well timed. We should always be questioning what we are doing, why we are doing it and how we do it. We believe that business must be at the very heart of this process in terms of delivering the solutions to the challenges that Scotland faces. When it comes to business support, there is no-one that a business person trusts more than the experience of another business person who has been there and done it for themselves, and this is equally true for someone starting a business for the first time as it is for an experienced business person embarking on exporting to a new international market. Similarly, businesses want to know that when they identify a particular talent that they need to grow or diversify, education and skills providers will be geared up to deliver that talent to the labour market. In other words, business must be the driver of everything the Scottish Government and its agencies deliver on enterprise and skills and the Government must look to the private sector more to deliver business support where it is needed. In the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network, we have lengthy experience of delivering services by business, for business. For example, our business mentoring schemes have supported over 10,000 businesses to grow and succeed, making use of a pool of over 1,000 experienced mentors. In embarking upon a review of enterprise and skills support, the Scottish Government has provided the opportunity for Scotland to do things differently and to do things better. Now is the time to make it happen. Want more insight into these and other business topics, then contact our team on 0141-204-8316 or contact Charandeep Singh, Head of External Relations on csingh@scottishchambers.org.uk

Airport expansion should be a win-win situation for business and for connectivity. Let’s stop kicking it into the long grass and get on with reaping the economic benefits that the UK and Scotland so badly need.

Now more than ever, Scotland’s businesses need to be connected to the world, as we look to secure trading links the world over and encourage more of our businesses to export, particularly our small and medium sized businesses.

Business Scotland

OPENCRM

Are you ready for a CRM System? Ok, that sounds strange coming from a company that sells its own CRM solution, but hear me out. I can tell you honestly that, unless you can set aside some time to get your strategy right, there is really no point. I’ll start with an example. When you go on holiday, you do a lot more than just buy some swimming trunks and a snorkel and hope for the best. You plan, decide on the best time of year for everyone, and consider hotels and resorts. Will the location and hotel be good for the whole family? Or is it more of a romantic getaway? How will you get from the airport to the hotel? What will you do when you get there? How much money should you take? There are a whole host of questions you ask and plans you need to make. Your holiday strategy will become a blueprint for you and your family’s two weeks off, so you want to make sure you get it right.

So why isn’t it the same when you’re buying a CRM system for your business? So many times we hear how a business needs a CRM system, but when you dig a little deeper and actually look at the plans behind the decision, there are no clear objectives or goals. Of course we all want “more sales” or “increased profit” or “better efficiency.” We even use phrases like these in our own mission statement: “Increase your sales; make more profit; grow your business.” But so what?!

Business Scotland

CRM is more than a system, it’s an approach to how you run your business. A CRM system should be a corner stone of your business strategy with achievable goals and deliverable objectives that pay dividends both financially and emotionally. How, exactly, is that CRM solution going to do those things for YOUR business?

Why? When you start out looking for your new CRM solution, you first need to look at exactly why you need that system. Who in your business is going to use it? What do they need it for? How will it fit it with what they’re already doing? Once you’ve answered this, however, you’ve only got the barest outline of how your system will be configured. There are more questions to answer.

What? Now that you know why you need a new CRM, you have to think about the goals you want to achieve with it. What are these goals? What will you use to measure whether or not you have met them? With some clear objectives and ideas for metrics to gauge your progress, you’ll be able to flesh out that rough configuration outline with key points and goalposts.

utilise it. This will give you a system that is tailored to your business and that can give you measurable goals to make sure it continues to earn its keep. But if you aren’t willing to take the time to review your needs and focus internally on what you need to do, there’s no point in buying a CRM system. If you aren’t sure what you do best, where you can do better, and get some targets set to measure your improvement, your CRM system won’t really be working for you. You’ll just be paying money out for something that is only half fulfilling its promise. Sure your sales might increase and people might be working a little more efficiently, but you’ll never know if it is down to the CRM system or just coincidence. Trust me, I’ve seen enough CRM implementations start off without clear goals that end up struggling and occasionally failing to know that taking this time is always worth it. If you have any questions about OpenCRM, please get in touch. I would love to hear from you. Find us at www.opencrm.co.uk or drop us a line at hello@opencrm.co.uk

How? With this more detailed blueprint, you’ll be able to speak with your CRM provider to go through what you need the system to do and the key attributes your system will need to be logging. This blueprint will give your account manager something to build on. They will be able to work with you to go even deeper into the details of how your CRM system will function and how your team will

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

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT -

Tourism industry facing ‘damaging consequences’ Uncertainty around Scotland’s ability to continue to attract EU funding could have damaging consequences for the tourism industry, Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop has warned. Since 2015, almost 1,000 small and medium sized tourism businesses have directly benefited from £7.8m in European Regional Development Funding to internationalise their business and develop new markets. An extra 7,500 businesses are benefiting from targeted online marketing activity.

The hospitality industry has created 23,000 additional jobs in Scotland since 2010 and now accounts for 245,000 jobs in Scotland.

Business Scotland

With its own match funding, VisitScotland estimate the £19.5 million programme is worth £145 million in wider economic activity.

permanent. EU migrant workers are a vital part of the tourism sector and we welcome and value their contribution to what is the most important industry in Scotland.

But the threat of Brexit has thrown into question Scotland’s ability to attract similar support for the industry once the funding comes to an end in 2018.

“Like many industries, Scotland’s tourism industry has a huge skills shortage and more than ever we need to address the issue of skills and employment within the hospitality and tourism industry. There is no doubt that this is a major concern for tourism businesses, particularly within the hospitality sector.”

Ms Hyslop also highlighted the impact of uncertainty around the immigration status of the 21,000 EU nationals currently working in Scotland’s tourism industry. She said: “The threat of a hard Brexit with no protection for the EU nationals currently living and working in Scotland, coupled with uncertainty around the potential to attract EU funding, could have extremely damaging consequences for our tourism and hospitality industries. “That is why the UK Government must urgently confirm what the immigration status of our EU nationals will be once the UK leaves the EU, and why the Scottish Government will do everything we can to protect Scotland’s place in Europe, retain free movement of people and stay in the single market.” Chief Executive of Scottish Tourism Alliance Marc Crothall said: “One of the critical issues for industry is the potential changes to the free movement of people which will directly affect the sector’s ability to attract, employ and retain overseas staff, both seasonal and

Executive Director of the British Hospitality Association Willie MacLeod said: “The hospitality industry has created 23,000 additional jobs in Scotland since 2010 and now accounts for 245,000 jobs in Scotland. “Predicted industry growth will be threatened as the demand for staff cannot be met from the domestic job market - any curbs on access to the European workforce will constrain the industry, impacting on the way we all now live. “European visitors are crucial to our hospitality and tourism businesses and any impediment to visa-less and passport-free entry to the UK must be resisted. “The Government needs to ensure that the UK is perceived to be open for business and welcomes visitors. Non-UK staff working in tourism must be reassured that they remain welcome and that their contribution is valued.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT -

Sector in Scotland supports 43,500 jobs including supply chain posts Low carbon industries in Scotland generated £10.7 billion in turnover and supported 43,500 jobs in 2014 - according to the first ever ONS figures to include direct and indirect jobs. This accounts for 12.9% of the total UK turnover, and 9.7% of the total employment, in the sector – both higher than Scotland’s share of the population, reinforcing the importance of the low carbon industries to the Scottish economy. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures on the low carbon and renewable energy economy in the UK for 2014, the latest year that figures are available, show: n For onshore wind, Scotland has 46.2% of all UK employment and 57.2% of all UK turnover n Supply chain activity accounted for £5.1 billion, or 47.7%, of total turnover and 21,500, or 49.4% jobs, higher than England (46.2%) and Wales (45.7%). Supply chain activity was marginally higher in Northern Ireland (50.0%) n In low carbon electricity generation,

Scotland has 18.0% of all UK employment and 23.6% of all UK turnover in this sector n For low carbon heat, Scotland represents 16.0% of all UK employment and 14.9% of all UK turnover in this sector. Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse said: “These industries – and their supply chains – generated almost £11bn in 2014 and supported thousands of high-value jobs. The figures reinforce the growing importance of the low carbon industries to the Scottish economy and vindicate the Scottish Government’s support for the sector and the increasingly crucial role it plays within Scotland’s energy mix and the wider economy. “The Scottish Government strongly supports development of renewable energy and provisional energy statistics show that

renewable energy sources accounted for more than 56.7% of gross electricity consumption in Scotland in 2015. “In welcoming these figures, however, we must remember recent UK Government decisions that continue to create serious uncertainty across the sector. Delays in announcing which technologies will be supported in the next round of auctions that support the renewable energy sector, for example, are putting at risk existing investments made, and jobs created, in developing renewable energy projects. “The figures underline both the huge opportunity that decarbonising our energy system presents, as well as the critical importance of continuing to support the sector properly – encouraging investment, generating value, and creating jobs across Scotland.”

Business Scotland

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 Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business team offers a one stop advice shop, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - ANGUS COUNCIL

Angus Shared Apprenticeship Programme (ASAP) The Angus Shared Apprenticeship Programme (ASAP) is currently looking for employers in the construction sector that would like to support apprenticeship opportunities in bricklaying, joinery, roofing and painting and decorating. Working with small and medium enterprises, ASAP helps those that are not in a position to offer apprenticeships to young people, due to the short term nature of their order books. All apprentices are employed by ASAP and placed with local employers for three months or longer depending on their business requirements. Angus Council’s head of Business Angus, Alison Smith said: “The Angus Shared Apprentice Programme was set up last year in response to demand. The programme provides young people with opportunities for learning and training while enabling small companies to offer apprentice places. Employers are able to share delivery of a full apprentice programme with a number of employers and won’t have to make the

full financial commitment that’s usually necessary when an apprentice is taken on over four years.” As one of the companies that continues to support the apprentice programme Bill Milne from Milnbank explains: “Given that we are a small company we find ASAP value for money. We have added to the workforce without having the costs associated with apprentices via the traditional route”. “Having an additional apprentice allows the experience and talent of our existing workforce to be passed on to more people and therefore aiding the construction industry in the long term.” The Programme is supported by Business Angus, Dundee & Angus College, CITB, Skills Development Scotland and private sector companies. ASAP was shortlisted in the Dundee and Angus Courier Business Awards and the London Construction Awards. Angus Council’s Business Angus team offers a one stop advice shop – whether it’s information on funding, skills support, recruitment, company training and property or practical business advice. Working with other business support agencies in the area, their partnership approach will ensure the appropriate support is delivered to those

who require it in a way that is accessible and specific to their needs. ASAP is a fantastic example of this approach, which as the first scheme of its kind in Scotland, allows construction apprentices to complete a full apprenticeship programme by working with a number of different employers to gain the skill sets they require as they train to become qualified. The programme also aims to address the challenges faced by the construction sector at this time whereby they cannot guarantee four-year Apprenticeships due to the fragile nature of construction work and shorter contracts. This new approach enables more small companies to offer apprentice places by making the process easier. Employers will be able to share delivery of a full apprentice programme with a number of employers and won’t have to make the full financial commitment that is usually necessary when an apprentice is taken on over a four year period. Would you like to hear more? Please contact Krystian on 01241 438153.

Business Scotland

CHAMBER NEWS

US Election – The end of Trade?

Allan Hogarth

Executive Director, Scottish North American Business Council

On 8th November 2016, the American people elected Donald J. Trump the next President of the United States of America. Among the many changes that Mr Trump has promised to make in office to American policy is a radical shift in the US approach to trade. According to a memo drafted by Trumps transition team, President-elect Trump will begin the process of re-shaping America’s trade policy on Day 1 of his administration. The plan includes, the re-

Business Scotland

negotiation or withdrawal from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) . After many years of American leadership on the global free trade agenda, do we now see the end of trade? What we are likely going to see is a radical shift in US trade policy away from pushing for large ambitious international trade policy towards a much more domestic focused economic policy. This includes on the one hand reforms in the areas of tax and energy as well as an increase in infrastructure investment, for example. On the other hand, we are going to see a halt or delay of regional trade agreements. This is likely to include the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement whose negotiations have already been halted between the EU and the US. A failing of TTIP will be a major disappointment to all those Scottish businesses who have strongly advocated for such an agreement for many years. With the UK’s vote to leave the EU we may see the opening up hopes for a bilateral

trade arrangement between the UK and the US which is more likely now under a Trump presidency; but the details on this will have to wait until Britain has finalised its exit negotiations with the EU. Mr Trump’s shift towards a more protectionist position is very concerning in a world that has become increasingly reliant on global trade flows . But it is by no means the end of trade: Nothing suggests that this will dampen the ambition of Scottish business plans to grow in the US. Quite the contrary, we are still seeing strong demand for Scottish businesses to grow in the US market. The Scottish and UK Governments have given encouraging signals that they will increase logistical and financial support for companies. As strange as it may sound, in these challenging times, there maybe not a better time to think about making the step into the US.

CHAMBER NEWS

Why not get a team together for a testing new challenge at Balmoral? HM The Queen has given permission for a new ‘charity challenge’ event at Balmoral Castle on Armed Forces Day 2017.

The ‘Balmoral Challenge’, organised by Walking With The Wounded, will see up to 100 teams of four compete over one of three mountainous routes on HM The Queen’s estate in the Cairngorm National Park - with each team supporting a vulnerable veteran to regain their independence and reintegrate into society.

Late Entry £300 (Mon 13 March - Mon 1 May)

Duncan Slater from Muir of Ord near Inverness lost both his legs serving in Afghanistan when his vehicle hit an IED. He recovered to become the first double leg amputee to ski to the South Pole as part of WWTW’s South Pole Allied Challenge in 2013. He helped recce the routes for the Balmoral Challenge ahead of its launch – challenging others to get involved.

23-24 June 2017 (Friday night registration from 5pm, inc. dinner, briefing and talk).Cost (per team of four): Early Bird £250 (Sat 1 Oct – Fri 10 Feb) Standard Entry £275 (Sat 11 Feb – Sun 12 March) Military Teams (serving) get 50% discount if they bring a volunteer. Walking Home For Christmas Many of our veterans have walked in far worse and more dangerous environments than we might care to imagine. How about signing up to Walk home this Christmas to support homeless and other vulnerable veterans back into independence through employment. Last year people raised money by walking back from the Christmas party, walking the Christmas tree hoe, walking across several counties to get from work to home,

Walking hundreds of miles to visit family members. Why not plan your own individual or group walk and help us support homeless and other vulnerable veterans by helping them back into employment and independence. Just £10+postage towards the cause to enter Get a pack with a branded Santa hat, hi-vis bib and wristband Walk as far as is challenging for you, be it 1 mile or 100 Fundraising is optional but could you raise £50?

One in four ‘less likely to visit USA’ after election Ian Hughes

Chief Executive of Consumer Intelligence

27% say election of Donald Trump as President will put them off visiting America. More than one in four adults say they are less likely to go on holiday to the US following the bitter US Presidential election, a poll1 by independent research experts Consumer Intelligence shows. Its study among 1,296 adults conducted in the immediate aftermath of the surprise win for Republican candidate Donald

Trump found 27% say they are now less likely to visit the US now than they were before the Presidential election. However 68% of adults surveyed said the election result has no impact on their holiday plans while 5% say they are now more likely to visit the US following the victory for President-elect Trump. The election result has provided some relief for people about to visit the US – the pound which has slumped dramatically against the dollar since the UK’s vote to leave the European Union has briefly strengthened to around $1.24 compared with its $1.21 low in the aftermath of the Brexit vote. The US2 is the fifth most popular

destination for UK holidaymakers with around 3.5 million visiting the country last year – the top four destinations are Spain, France, Italy and Ireland. However spending by UK visitors at around £4.5 billion is the second highest behind Spain. Americans are the biggest spenders of all visitors to the UK – they spend around £3 billion a year with 3.2 million visiting the UK in 2015 making them the second biggest source of foreign visitors behind the French. Ian Hughes, Chief Executive of Consumer Intelligence said: “The US will remain a popular destination for UK tourists and businesses but it is clear the election result has produced strong reactions here and in the States.”

Business Scotland

CYBER SECURITY - POLICE SCOTLAND

Are your cyber security measures sufficient? Are your cyber security measures sufficient to prevent you or your company becoming the next victim of online criminals? This is the question Inspector David Happs, from Police Scotland Edinburgh’s Crime Prevention Department wants you to consider. He warns it’s a case of when, not if, a business is targeted. “Almost every organisation is a potential target, many large and small companies have something stored electronically that may be worth something to others. It really is crucial businesses and their employees are aware of the different forms of cyber attacks and take at least the basic steps to prevent what can result in significant financial and reputational damage”. According to a recent Breaches Survey Report (1), 65% of large firms in the UK detected a cyber security breach or attack in the past year. The average cost of the breach to the large business was £36, 500. Police Scotland has invested heavily in combating cyber crime through the formation of it’s Cybercrime Unit. At the recent opening of a new Cybercrime Hub, Chief Constable Mr Gormley said: “The investigation and prevention of cybercrime, which includes online child exploitation, is one of the highest priorities for Police Scotland. Improving our understanding of cyber threats and internet enabled crime will assist us in developing new ways to protect the public.” Police Scotland also welcomes the partnership with Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) in delivering cyber security advice and services to small, medium and larger enterprises across the country. SBRC with contribution and secondments from Police Scotland and other agencies aim to provide members with a wide-ranging one-stop shop for business security services and advice. Inspector Happs adds “Many businesses need to do more to ensure all staff have appropriate cyber crime training to enable each staff member to play their part in keeping their business secure. The threat from cyber crime can often be reduced by recognising where the threat may come from and taking some simple security steps – staff training and awareness is key.” The threat comes from several different areas - cyber criminals interested in making

Business Scotland

money out of fraud or theft of information, hackers, business competitors or from employees with legitimate access through accidental or deliberate misuse. 68% of attacks in the past year were virus/ spyware or malware (2). One of the simplest ways of protecting yourself or company online is to update your systems and devices regularly. When you are prompted to install an update from your service provider this often means that they have identified a security vulnerability and issued an update to fix it. However, Inspector Happs advises this is just one step to protecting your company online. “If you take ‘ransomware’ as an example (a type of malicious software that will prevent you from accessing your files or whole computer until you pay a ransom, often several hundred pounds) running antimalware software will help prevent some but not all ransomware attacks. Often simple vigilance and scepticism when it comes to unexpected emails can be effective and illustrates the importance of staff training, increased protection and other cyber security measures running at all levels of the business”. “Don’t wait for it, be proactive and take steps to protect your business online. There is a wide range of training, guidance and support available through SBRC, the Cyber Essentials scheme and other areas”. The Cyber Essentials scheme is designed to be accessible to businesses of all sizes, enabling businesses to be certified for reaching good-practice basic standards, including a self-assessment approach and providing guidance on protection against common threats.

Tips to protecting your business online:

n User Education - set up regular, structured employee education and awareness training and keep up-to-date. n Internet security - install solutions on all systems including mobile devices and keep all operating and application software, mobile apps and web browsers up to date. n Password Access - set up a policy and enforce for all employees and contractors. n Restrict Browser Access - consider restricting access to inappropriate websites to reduce risk of exposure to malware and create a security update policy. n Adopt Safe mobile working rules - including use of unsecured Wi-Fi

hotspots, shoulder surfing and protecting devices from theft or loss. n Network Protection - including wireless networks, protect against external attacks through the use of firewalls, proxies, access lists and other measures. n IT inventory - maintain an inventory of all IT equipment and software including redundant systems and identify a secure standard formation for all existing equipment. n Access Restriction – restrict staff and third-party access to IT equipment, systems and information to the minimum required. Keep items physically secure to prevent unauthorised access. n Data encrytption/Secure Networking ensure sensitive data is encrypted when stored or transmitted online for home and mobile working and only accessible by authorised users. n Removable media - e.g. USB drives, restrict issue and introduce usage policy to protect against data loss and malware installation. To find out more about staying safe online visit: Scottish Business Resilience Centre and Cyber Essentials Scheme

May 2016

Cyber Security

Breaches Survey 2016 Main report Dr Rebecca Klahr, Sophie Amili and Jayesh Navin Shah Ipsos MORI Socia l Research Institu te Professor Mark Butto n and Dr Victoria Wang Institute for Crimi nal Justice Studie s, University of Portsm

outh

15-054418-01 | Version Terms and Conditions FINAL | Public | This work was carried out in accordance which can be found at http://www.ipsos-mor with the requiremen ts of the internation i.com/terms. © Departmen al quality standard t for Culture, Media for Market Research, & Sport 2016 ISO 20252:2012

, and with the Ipsos

MORI

www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ uploads/attachment_data/file/521465/ Cyber_Security_Breaches_Survey_2016_ main_report_FINAL.pdf

Corporate Banking

How can cyberproofing today protect you tomorrow? The internet has revolutionised the business world, helping companies like yours to improve the efficiency of their operations, and make life easier for consumers. But with greater opportunities comes greater risk of cyberfraud attacks. Which is why you need to cyberproof your business. Cyberattacks: the risks

Cyberattacks: prevention

Cyberfraud might not be top of your to-do list when you have so many other matters to deal with, and the return on your investment is hard to quantify. But the damage it could cause to your reputation and finances can be catastrophic.

Be vigilant Create a culture of awareness throughout your team and encourage them to report fraud threats. The more people in your organisation who are aware of the risks, the less likely an attack on your business is to succeed.

There are three main areas you’re at risk from: social engineering, malware and network attacks. 1. S ocial engineering The most common forms of social engineering are invoice fraud, vishing (vocal interaction with a staff member to obtain vital information), phishing (email or written interaction with the same goal), and smishing (text). 2. M alware Criminals use malicious software to disrupt your computer operations and access confidential information. Malware can be installed into your computer through clicking a link in an email, opening an attachment to an email, or by downloading software from a malicious source.

Invest in the latest cyberdefence software Make sure your internet browsers are updated to the most recent versions and important files are backed up to a removable hard drive disk or to the cloud. Test your own controls to check they are operating appropriately so you can find any weaknesses before fraudsters can exploit them. Protect your people Be cautious about how much information you make public on the internet about your employees. In the social media world, it’s easy to get carried away, but be aware that this information could make it easier for a fraudster to take advantage.

3. Network attacks Your staff often work across more than one network, which makes security tougher. Fraudsters can intercept emails as they move across public servers, or even bombard you with millions of spam emails, forcing your servers to crash and crippling your business. All of these cyberattacks can be extremely sophisticated. With victims, beneficiaries and fraudsters located in different countries, it’s difficult for the fraud to be investigated, or for you to recover lost funds. For these reasons, it’s far better that you look to prevent fraud in the first place rather than try and deal with its impact later.

The good news is many businesses, including Barclays, are dedicated to helping protect businesses like yours from cyberfraud attacks.

Jamie Grant Head of Scotland and Northern Ireland Corporate Banking Barclays jamie.grant@barclays.com

For more information, visit our business fraud hub at barclayscorporate.com/fraud

Barclays is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register No. 122702). Registered in England. Registered number is 1026167 with registered office at 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

CYBER SECURITY - PWC

Cyber security: looking to the future The technology landscape and related financial crime continues to move at an astonishing pace. Progressive firms recognise that highly effective security should allow business to operate in an efficient and agile manner, with the added bonus of demonstrating to customers that security is taken very seriously. Getting the foundations right to build trust and grow the digital enterprise Senior management need to be continually educated and involved, setting a clear strategy for the Board and empowering their teams to make tactical choices with support from the right governance and frameworks. Our recently published Global State of Information Security Survey 2017*, found that this year has seen a rise in incidents attributed to service providers, contractors and suppliers or business partners. Only a third of UK companies have the Board involved in setting security budgets compared to the 39% global average, and even fewer (28%) partake in the strategy (42.5% globally). Nonetheless, training and education of the Board is progressing and evolving with new technology, which in turn is supporting increased engagement. PwC’s recently launched Game of Threats cyber security interactive simulator aims to educate the Board on responding to a cyber attack. Feeling the impact, pressure and decision making process required during an incident focuses the mind and brings to life what a real event would feel like. TM

Adopting a broader view of cyber security and privacy The rise of the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) has

Business Scotland

resulted in an increased need to proactively address cyber security and privacy risks. While opportunities are not always obvious for some industries, 46% of organisations are investing in a security strategy around IoT.* History tells us that poor security is quickly evidenced in new technologies, and IoT is no different. The need to build security in from the start is absolutely fundamental to retain customer trust. Data privacy and trust are now critical business requirements as increasing volumes of consumer and business information are generated and shared. Compliance with the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation will be a challenge requiring comprehensive risk assessments and technology change to simply meet the basic requirements. There are also opportunities for businesses if they adopt a wider approach. Cyber security and privacy are enablers to safely develop new products, create market advantages and build brand trust— particularly when they are integrated with digital business ecosystems from the outset.

Looking to the future with PwC Scotland’s Cyber team Colin Slater, head of cyber security PwC Scotland, said: “businesses that approach cyber security properly will prosper, build trusted brands and have sustained value. Being brave and embracing the risks will reap rewards.” PwC’s national cyber security team are part of an international network, advising and supporting businesses large and small across different sectors with a large Scottish presence. Visit www.pwc.co.uk/Scotland or contact Edinburgh-based Colin Slater, Head of Cyber Security Scotland: colin.slater@pwc.com to find out how PwC’s cyber security team can work with you. *The latest annual Global State of Information Security Survey 2017 by PwC, CIO and CSO is based on responses of more than 10,000 C-suite and security executives from 133 countries, including 479 respondents in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Forward-thinking businesses are pivoting toward a new model of cyber security: agile and capable of acting on analytic inputs and adaptive to evolving risks and threats. Examples include automated machine learned hunting, artificial intelligence and options to piece together niche services in a ‘building block’ model to accelerate capability. © 2016 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved.

CYBER SECURITY - PHORTRESS

Cyber security specialists warn about CEO fraud Cyber security experts Phortress have issued a warning about a form of fraud in which fraudsters pretend to be CEOs in order to persuade company employees to transfer funds to criminal accounts. Phortress, which has seen several recent cases, costing the victims thousands of pounds, says that the key to thwarting the fraud is to ensure that effective financial controls are in place. The fraudsters use company information freely available on the web to send an email purporting to come from the CEO/MD of a company to the accounts department asking them to transfer funds to a bank account. A report a year ago from the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau showed that more than £32 million had been reported lost as a result of CEO fraud.

CEO fraud will typically start with an email being sent from a fraudster to a member of staff in a company’s finance department. The member of staff will be told by the fraudster who is purporting to be a company director or CEO that they need to quickly transfer money to a certain bank account for a specific reason.

Phortress says that businesses can protect themselves by ensuring that all staff, not just finance teams, know about the fraud, and by having in place a system which allows staff to verify contact from their CEO or senior members of staff, for example having two points of contact so that the staff can check that the instruction is legitimate.

The fraudster will normally redistribute this money into other accounts then close down the bank account to make it untraceable. Out of the £32 million reported to be lost by businesses to CEO fraud only £1 million had been recovered. This was due to businesses taking too long to discover that they had been victims.

Phortress is a leading IT Security Solutions Specialist that helps organisations across the globe to secure their networks, systems and data. It offers IT security services to businesses, both large and small, as well as government bodies, police forces, hosting companies and web development agencies. They also test websites, networks and social engineering for clients, and recommend what work has to be carried out.

Most businesses reported initially being contacted via emails with gmail.com and yahoo.com suffixes. The largest reported amount of money given by a member of staff to a fraudster was £18.5 million. Typically the average amount given to a fraudster is £35,000 but this can vary. Limited companies tend to be the most targeted type of company, accounting for 52% of reports.

You can find out more about the company at phortress.net

Business Scotland

CYBER SECURITY - REGISTERS OF SCOTLAND

RoS proving pivotal in digital

At Registers of Scotland, we are improving our services by working hand-in-hand with customers. This has allowed us to bring in a host of new measures to improve efficiency for our stakeholders. In recent years, Registers of Scotland (RoS) has introduced a number of innovations aimed at protecting the interests of lenders in land and buildings registered in Scotland. Lenders are now able to receive an electronic notification directly from RoS when their standard security is registered or discharged. Solicitors acting on behalf of lenders should ensure that the correct email address for the lender is included on the land register application form. Lenders are also able to benefit from our development plan approval service which ensures that the registration of new plots within a housing development proceed as expected by the developer, the purchaser and the lender. We are currently developing a Digital Discharge Service in collaboration with the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), individual lenders and the Law Society of Scotland. This will make the process of removing a security from the register much quicker and easier. It will also help to tackle the use of fraudulent discharges because only those permitted to execute a deed on behalf of a lender will be able to do so.

Business Scotland

The new service will be trialled with lenders and solicitors later this year and we will continue to build on the positive feedback we have had to date ahead of rolling out the service more widely. To reach this point, our dedicated user experience team at RoS is constantly working to keep track of how customers interact with our systems. And it’s always interesting what we learn: from what is clicked on the most, to how people “search” – and even what time everyone appears to go for lunch. However, as interesting as this is, it’s only part of the process. To really understand the journey we are on with our customers we have to get an appreciation of what happens outside our systems for legal firms, lenders and searchers. We need to ask: “What is the trigger for someone to log on? Do they do other things at the same time as searching the land register? And do they come back (after lunch), or is it handed over to a colleague to complete?” When we understand all of this, we can identify further opportunities for improvement. In RoS, we don’t only “virtually” watch how users navigate through our transactions using analytics and reporting tools. We have been going into offices and sitting with users, too. We have learned so much more this way, disproving our assumptions and identifying workarounds customers have creatively invented when engaging with our systems. But, most importantly, by spotting errors we can ensure they are improved for the future. Positive education always corrects error!

After these sessions, we create “journey” diagrams that allow improvement opportunities to become even clearer. As a team, we understand that if a service is designed in a “user-centric” way it brings benefits for everyone. If things work more intuitively, errors will, by and large, cease to occur, resulting in a service that is easy to use and simpler to support, making everyone happier. We are following this approach across all our deliveries, including the new discharge service and our future digital mortgage and online registration services. What’s more, for the same discharge service, we engaged a significant number of lenders in the Scottish security market from the beginning of discovery and have continued to work with these lenders, and others, throughout development, visiting them on-site and using remote sessions where necessary. Working directly with lenders means we have received immediate feedback on the service that they will use, and it has been a very positive experience to work with teams who are so engaged and willing to give us their time. For more information, please visit: www.ros.gov.uk/about-us/ros-blog/2016/ developing-our-electronic-dischargeservice or follow us @RegistersOfScot

CYBER SECURITY - POLICYBEE

Crimes against IT Software hacks, stolen data, and various unnamed security breaches are some of the cyber threats a large company has to deal with. Some more successfully than others, according to recent headlines. And it’s not just the big boys – small businesses are suffering too. A recent report by the UK government found 74% of SMEs had a problem with cyber crime in the last year. It’s likely your business has some kind of online presence. Customers expect it, and surviving in the 21st century without a website or using email, for example, isn’t easy. So it’s essential you know the gaps an unscrupulous hacker could exploit to get their hands on your most sensitive data.

Hacked off Exactly what are you up against? Assuming the worst is a good place to start. David Pitt, head of IT at online businessinsurance broker PolicyBee LLP sheds some light: “Let’s say you run an online shop; the good news is you’ve got a ready-for-business working shop for free. Many shopping carts are open-source, meaning the code written to create them is worked on and improved by a network of coders. The not-so-good news is your website’s code is public; all it takes is for someone with a degree of patience to find a weakness in the code which they can exploit. Or they can look for known exploits against older versions and test them out on

your site. Use the same shopping cart across several websites and they’ve got a good incentive to target them too, because the returns are multiplied. “Once someone has a way into your site, it’s easy for them to do a database export. And it’s pretty unlikely you’ll disturb them while they’re doing it. All that matters is how big the database is, and the speed of the connection. “In simple terms, your website or online shop is a sitting duck if it’s not being updated.” Easier said than done, perhaps. So what practical things can you do to reduce your risk? David again: “It’s worth going through some specifics: 1. Stay up to date absolutely everywhere. It’s not worth ignoring updates or putting them off. 2. If you don’t use it or need it, don’t store it. 3. Do you actually need all your accounts? If you don’t, then deactivate them.

What else helps? While some self-preservation will reduce your risk of being a cyber-attack victim, a comprehensive cyber insurance policy protects you if the worst does happen. Here’s how: Dusted for prints. Well, not literally – but your policy does pay for a forensic examination of your servers to find out exactly what went wrong and what/whose data was at risk.

going to fill you, or them, with joy. Luckily, your insurance pays for ongoing support which, in your customers’ case, means things like monitoring their credit record to keep an eye on any unusual changes. No sleepless nights. Your business is your livelihood. If you’re targeted and your revenue dries up as a result, you policy covers your lost income. Web therapy. If a hacker goes to town on your website, breaking links and sabotaging your hard work, the cost to repair and restore your website is covered.

Need to know Claims against you are time-consuming and complicated. And your bank account could take a serious hit from the cost of a solicitor to defend you. Thankfully, a cyber policy covers both your legal costs and any compensation or damages you have to pay. It also pays for any regulatory investigations, and if a regulating body finds you at fault, any civil penalties. So, while cyber crime is a problem that won’t go away, you don’t have to make it easy for the unscrupulous. By following some simple advice, and making sure you’ve got a decent insurance policy, it can be one less thing to worry (quite so much) about. And that means you can get back to doing what you do best: running your business. For help, advice and a quote, visit policybee. co.uk/cyber or call a jargon-busting adviser on 0345 222 5380.

On-going support. Breaking the news to your customers that you’ve been hacked isn’t

Business Scotland

BIBBY FS HOLDINGS

Supporting Scotland’s SMEs in times of change Joanna Cashmore, Head of Sales, Bibby Financial Services. After a dramatic summer which saw the UK vote to leave the European Union, the expectation amongst many economists was an immediate and severe hit to the economy. The nightmare scenario some had predicted has not occurred, although there are likely to be many tumultuous months ahead. In Scotland, we are seeing a number of issues come to the fore as the Scottish Government undertakes a series of reviews into the business rates regime and the enterprise and skills services to improve productivity and tackle inequality. It is also expected that the First Minister will oppose the UK government in court over the right to trigger Article 50 over the coming months. Political leaders will have to focus on clearing the clouds of uncertainty and providing stability in an increasingly challenging environment for businesses. Scotland’s army of SMEs are also contemplating their future: our research found that 44% are worried about the uncertain economic environment within the UK. Fortunately, SMEs in Scotland have fared well this last quarter as our Q3 SME Confidence Tracker shows that over a quarter (26%) of SMEs in Scotland has seen

Business Scotland

an increase in their sales. There has also been good news in the form of a £60 million funding grant from the European Regional Development Fund which will benefit over 20,000 businesses and help to create jobs. Ambitious Scottish firms are the engine of our economy and provide 1.2 million jobs. Simply put, funding these firms is mission critical for the success of the economy. For many SMEs, it is not just a case of receiving a lump sum or slice of a larger grant. Some businesses need a source of working capital that supports their operations. Our research found that 42% of SMEs in Scotland view customer late payment as a significant risk to their business. This is a chronic issue for many small firms who experience strains on their cash flow. Many small business owners understand these problems all too well: worries about meeting the weekly or monthly payroll, holding back investment decisions or the fear of losing ground to the competition. But SMEs need not let these issues get the better of them. Many SMEs don’t realise the potential of the cash currently tied up in their

outstanding invoices. With the right funding partner, SMEs can be freed of their cash flow concerns and focus on growing their business. For example, we recently funded a small scale roofing business in Livingston that needed a strong balance sheet to take on larger contracts with housebuilders. For most SMEs, funding is not about survival but an integral part of their growth strategies. If sources of credit dry up or political uncertainty continues into next year, we will be there to support small firms every step of the way. Whilst there are many uncertainties on the horizon, the business owners we speak to on a daily basis understand next year is likely to be one of great change. It’s vital for funders to support businesses for the long-term – even if the future may for now seem unclear. As we look towards 2017, with the right support, there will be many opportunities for businesses to thrive.

safeguarding

your future

The MaCDonalD GrouP is made up of four businesses; MacDonald Partnership; rankin risk Solutions; Capital Consultants and abbey Spring Hill. Together we make one bigger, stronger and more agile Independent Insurance Broking and Financial Services business, which is now one of the largest in Scotland. The Group allows for each of our businesses to continue to do what they do best – building great relationships and providing a valuable service to their clients on a local level. Having the ability to tap into the additional expertise and resources available across the Group has also been an exceptional benefit to our clients. Our highly skilled staff within each of our branches have expert local knowledge of business sectors, ensuring that we understand all the elements that are important in providing a bespoke insurance solution that will protect your valuable business assets.

Together, the MaCDonalD GrouP have been helping clients safeguard their future, whether within their business or their personal financial goals for almost 40 years. The cover can extend to all areas, including, buildings; stock; machinery; vehicles; revenue; employer’s liability; public and products liability. We have access to extremely competitive rates, a wide range of products, and services. Our markets are wide and varied and we will be able to place most risks for you via either our standard insurer panel or with an underwriter through our alternative, more specialised, insurance channels. Our in-house specialist Loss Resolution Service adds real value and is a feature that not all Insurance Brokers provide. During the claim process, the Insurer will often appoint a Loss Adjuster to act on their behalf. Our Loss Resolution Service provides a Consultant, who will be an experienced former Loss Adjuster, working directly for clients to ensure the best result possible. The Group is built on strong foundations, with a highly professional, experienced and approachable team that bring many

years of combined industry expertise. When you choose the MACDONALD GROuP, you can be confident that you’re in safe hands. Business • • • • • • • • • • Claims •

Insurance Liability Insurance Property Insurance Construction Trades Hotel & Leisure Professional Indemnity Manufacturing Fleet & Haulage Retail & Office Wholesale Insurance Restaurants & Pubs Loss Resolution Service

Personal • • • •

Insurance High Net Worth Home Home Motor Travel

Financial • • •

Services Investments Pensions Protection

Head office Corrie Lodge Millburn Road Inverness Branches also at Wick Perth Glenrothes

01955 605308 01738 509990 01592 756711

01463 223555 abbeyspringhill

MacDonald Group is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 137301) and uses the following trading styles: MacDonald Partnership, Rankin Risk Solutions, Abbey Spring Hill and Capital Consultants MacDonald Group is a member of Willis Networks www.willisnetworks.co.uk

info@macdonaldgroup.uk www.macdonaldgroup.uk

When the bank manager says “no”, don’t dispair, says Neil Davidson - there are other reputable routes to finance for SMEs in today’s market

PEER-TO-PEER LENDING HAS ARRIVED

TYPICALLY IF the bank manager says “no”, little consideration (if any) is given to alternative sources of finance.

judgement on risk - a little like the bank manager used to do 20-plus years ago!

Peer to Peer (“P2P”) SME secured lending has arrived in force and is now readily available to Scottish SMEs, providing a real alternative to borrowing from the high street banks. Loan sizes range typically from £100k to £5m.

One thing to stress is that this is not a route for a “soft loan”. In our experience, Peer to Peer SME lending risk assessment by the platform is at least as, if not more, rigorous than the banks but seeks to understand the whole business proposition and the final decision is delivered much more quickly.

The P2P lending market is filling a void in the SME funding sector. P2P loans are particularly suited to business growth funding and / or property development, and the speed of delivery can often fit well with short-term (one to five years) funding needs.

Neil Davidson, Managing Director of Alderburn Finance says that: “The growth of the P2P business loan sector is testimony to the way it recognises the demand and understands the wider needs of SMEs looking for debt finance.”

P2P investors providing loans are not constrained by capital regulation, sector concentrations or policy based on multibillion pound portfolios. Instead P2P lenders make their decisions based on individual cases in hand and make their own personal

As always when making a purchase (including finance) it’s good to shop around. Seeking a SME Peer-to-Peer loan is no different. Platforms vary in respect of the types of loans they are most comfortable with (e.g. quantum, sector, types of

For more information on borrowing through the Peer-to-Peer market, please contact Neil Davidson, Director, Alderburn Finance Tel: 0330 111 0137 Email: neil@alderburnfinance.co.uk Web: www.alderburnfinance.co.uk

security). This is where the knowledge of a specialist intermediary can be invaluable, helping you get the best deal in the shortest timescale.

“P2P Lenders make their decisions based on the individual case in hand” Neil Davidson, Alderburn Finance

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

INNOVATION SPOKEN HERETM | murgitroyd.com

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Scaling companies make substantial impact to economy

Bob Keiller

By Bob Keiller

Chair of Scottish Enterprise Scaling has become a bit of a buzz word in recent times and the definition will differ depending on who you speak to. The impact that scaling companies make to our economy is substantial and our collective focus on scaling represents one of the biggest opportunities for Scotland’s economy, so let’s be clear about what it is and do more of it. At Scottish Enterprise, we consider a true scaling company to be one with an annual turnover of over £10 million, but with the capability and ambition to grow rapidly to turnover of £100 million and beyond over the next couple of years. Going from £10 million to £100 million in such a short space of time is challenging but completely achievable if the idea, drive and support is there. A distinct approach and support system is required to encourage and enable these companies to grow and achieve scale.

Business Scotland

Scaling companies are typically already successful but are focused on developing globally in new markets, requiring agile strategies and they often need changes in leadership style as the business evolves. Alongside this, a restructuring of the business, its supporting infrastructure and processes is undertaken, together with forming new partnerships, identifying potential acquisitions and ensuring the company has the right funding model to support significant growth. As you can imagine, it is an intensive period of change for the company and requires intensive levels of support. Sometimes when looking outward, leadership forgets to look and invest inward and, in doing so, may find itself in troubled times. That’s why leadership development is a crucial part of the support Scottish Enterprise offers to scale up companies. It is part of a wider, flexible and tailored service which also includes advice on attracting relevant investment, business restructuring, identifying potential acquisitions, access to world-class strategic retreats, coaching programmes and peer to peer support between the companies.

Our ambitions match those of the companies we work with. Scottish Enterprise has already identified and is supporting over 60 scaling companies and we plan to grow this to 100 by 2018. Helping scaling companies realise and achieve their potential is at the heart of what we do. The impact of these companies goes far beyond their own balance sheets and the sectors they operate in – they are helping Scotland to build a stronger and more equal economy. Research shows that Scottish scale up companies currently contribute a combined turnover of £12.5 billion to the overall economy through job creation and economic growth. Scottish Enterprise, along with other partners and stakeholders, can help companies realise their scaling ambition and we look forward to identifying, developing and guiding more companies in the future.

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Taking it a year at a time Malcolm Roughead OBE

Chief Executive at VisitScotland As we head towards the end of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 I’m reminded of the innovative business owners I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this year. From design-led manufacturing companies like Trakke in Glasgow and Prickly Thistle in the Highlands, to the wealth of craft beer and gin producers opening up across the country, it has been a privilege to meet so many talented and ambitious people who all contribute to the wider visitor economy through their ambition, drive and passion. The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 has been a compelling year for Scottish tourism. A year in which we challenged the industry to get creative and link their business or product to themes that they often wouldn’t have thought were relevant. But the industry has embraced it with open arms and capitalised on our country’s long history of innovation. From the magnificent Hinterland, which was performed to international acclaim in a derelict seminary on the outskirts of

Helensburgh to Clo Mor Festival of Harris Tweed in the Outer Hebrides, celebrating one of Scotland’s most iconic fabrics, the year has really pushed the boundaries of what we as an industry are capable of. Our recent tourism success in 2016, with increased international visitor numbers and spend, is testament in part to our themed years and the work the industry puts in to making sure the strategy is implemented across Scotland. Themed years have been pivotal in bringing together Scotland’s public and private sectors across tourism and events. We’ve forged ahead since the Year of Homecoming 2014 and the major events that helped make that year so special and the themed years since have really given the industry the opportunity to further raise Scotland’s reputation. And there we were two weeks ago launching the next phase in the themed years programme at the Glasgow Concert Hall, to present to the industry our plans for the Year of History Heritage and Archaeology 2017. From World Heritage Sites to ancient monuments, listed buildings to important battlefields, cultural traditions to captivating myths, stories and legends, the Year of

History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017 will be a year to enjoy the best of Scotland’s historic places, icons and hidden gems. While it can be said that history and heritage is Scotland’s bread and butter, with many uncertainties on the horizon it would be complacent of us to rest on our laurels and expect the year to sell itself. Never has the time for cross-sectoral collaboration and partnership been more vital. What an opportunity it is for us to capitalise on the year within our priority international markets where heritage and ancestry is a key driver especially when ancestral tourists spend more than double per visit and stay longer on average when holidaying in Scotland. To get ahead, we are encouraging businesses to be ready for the start of the year by downloading the YHHA17 eBrochure and by signing up to be part of our relaunched Ancestral Welcome scheme. You can find details on VisitScotland.org and VisitScotland looks forward to continuing to work closely with businesses to make 2017 a great success.

Business Scotland

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Declan Collier

CEO of London City Airport As the Tartan Army invaded London City Airport last month to face England at Wembley (no comment, I’m Irish), it was a bold and colourful reminder of the huge importance attached to our Scottish routes, which out of nearly 50 European, US and UK destinations, make up around 12% of passengers. As anyone near a TV or newspaper will have seen in recent months, air connectivity is a critical topic right now, with trade, exports, jobs and opportunities intrinsically linked to the ability to take flight. The announcement by the UK Government in October to press ahead with a new runway at Heathrow Airport is good news for Scotland and offers a wealth of benefits north of the border - both during a construction phase and once it becomes operational. It’s one of the reasons why Scottish ministers backed the decision and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Heathrow. However, as the Scottish Chambers of Commerce recognised in its response to the decision, there are still delays that lie ahead in this process. In the interim, more air capacity must be unlocked to generate economic activity and keep up with demands of the UK, which boasts the largest aviation network in Europe.

Business Scotland

To that end, London City Airport in London’s Royal Docks is already moving forward with its £344 million transformation plans following the receipt of planning permission earlier this year. Construction will begin in the first half of 2017, with work beginning to build 7 new aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway to maximise runway capacity, and a terminal extension to accommodate increasing passenger numbers, which will mean the airport is capable of welcoming an additional 2 million passengers per year by 2025. The new infrastructure will bring about major benefits for passengers on our Scottish routes, which are among our most popular, namely Glasgow (served by British Airways), Aberdeen (served by Flybe), and Edinburgh (served by both airlines). Glasgow and Edinburgh airports have themselves experienced record traffic growth in recent months, with the gateway to the Scottish capital announcing its own masterplan for expansion. Research that we commissioned by York Aviation estimates that under the proposed expansion plans, by 2025, London City Airport could welcome in the order of 650,000 passengers on Edinburgh routes and 440,000 on Glasgow routes – a 22% and 85% increase, respectively – enabling a significant boost to Scottish trade and exports and years before a new runway at Heathrow. Not only is the extra capacity welcome, London City will ensure that the premier customer experience continues and

our passengers still benefit from short check in and arrival times, which differentiates the airport and makes it the best choice for business travellers. Combined with a shorter and convenient journey to and from central London, the simple process means more time for the office and meetings or at home with loved ones. So while the Heathrow decision offers room for optimism, London City Airport will provide connectivity in the short term – offering growth opportunities for Scottish businesses and ensuring that Scotland and London remain attractive places to do business.

Research that we commissioned by York Aviation estimates that under the proposed expansion plans, by 2025, London City Airport could welcome in the order of 650,000 passengers

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE

A record year The EICC has just finished up one of its busiest years on record, hosting more events than ever before and delivering £50million in economic impact for Edinburgh. Chief Executive, Marshall Dallas, talks to Business Scotland about the year’s highlights. There was understandable excitement in November around the Scottish Business Awards when Leonardo DiCaprio addressed 2,000 dinner guests; however one aspect of even greater excitement to me as CEO is the accessibility enhancements that we put in place in preparation for hosting two major international conferences both of which focused on inclusiveness. In September we held the XI AutismEurope International Congress, when we were delighted to become only the second building in the city to be honoured with an Autism Friendly Award. Then, in October we welcomed the Rehabilitation International World Congress,

EICC presented with Autism Friendly Award

Dr Stephen Duckworth, Chair of the 2016 RI World Congress

which saw 1,000 delegates gathering to discuss how to make the world a more inclusive place. The legacy that this Congress left behind is truly significant. Ahead of the event, many of our city’s attractions, hotels and restaurants implemented changes to their businesses to enhance the experience for all visitors regardless of disability. These positive changes are making Scotland’s capital a leading destination for an increasing number of organisations, for whom accessibility standards can make or break the decision to locate their events. Having some of the world’s oldest buildings and cobbled streets, Edinburgh is sometimes challenged accessibility-wise but investment in the city has been a big game-changer. From Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Botanic Garden and the Royal Yacht Britannia to many of our hotels and restaurants, Edinburgh has garnered a 5-star reputation that has been supported by significant improvements to infrastructure and public transport.

What we realised by engaging with the team at Euan’s Guide, the disabled access review website, is the importance of the attitude of staff. Investments into physical accessibility can be undone by a poor experience with employees. In light of this, EICC has invested in training across our team and we hope our approach to accessibility will be another factor that makes organisations choose Edinburgh for their conferences. 2017 is shaping up nicely too but the last thing we will do is rest on our laurels - as some say in the industry, you’re only as good as your last conference! Contact the EICC Team on 0131 300 3333 to start planning your next event. Email us on sales@eicc.co.uk. www.eicc.co.uk Marshall Dallas, Chief Executive, Edinburgh International Conference Centre

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Confidence is key at Kumon At your local Kumon Study Centre the aim is to develop students into confident, independent learners and to help them achieve their full potential. With nearly 60 years of experience, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes enable children to take on new challenges with confidence. A key principle of the Kumon Method of Learning is to develop confidence in all students, which will enable them to confront new challenges head on. This is not just instilled in them whilst at Kumon, the confidence a student gains is something they will keep with them for life. When a child enrols onto the Kumon programmes, they start at their just-right level. The initial focus is to build a strong foundation in their study skills; developing their concentration, pace and rhythm. Once they have built this foundation, they will then be able to confidently tackle topics they have not previously studied. Kumon does not follow the school curriculum, but rather complements it. Children complete their work and progress through the development of independent learning skills, rather than being taught in the conventional sense. Kumon believes that learning is always for the long run. The individualised maths and English programmes enable each student

Business Scotland

to progress to an advanced level, above their school grade level, at their own pace. They develop lifelong study skills and a passion for learning, as well as the confidence to tackle new challenges and face the unknown. Kumon Study Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are located throughout Scotland. For more information or to locate your nearest study centre in Scotland, please see our website www.kumon.co.uk or contact the Scotland Regional Office on 01698 209290.

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COVER STORY -

Scottish & London Businesses Connect during Chamber Business Trip On Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th September 2016, Scottish Chambers of Commerce embarked on its most ambitious & high-level business trip to London, including a Business Reception at Westminster, meetings with senior MPs, the Market Open Ceremony at the London Stock Exchange and a B2B event at Dover House. Over 50 businesses came together to celebrate and share the successes of the Scottish business community and build stronger partnerships with London-based businesses and Members of Parliament. The strength and breadth of Scotland’s sectors underlines the importance of building connections across the UK, particularly in London, as the Chambers look to expand and identify growth opportunities for Scottish businesses. During the various engagements, business attendees recognised the importance of good connectivity between Scotland and London. Partnering with SCC during this trip was London City Airport, who operate

Business Scotland

frequent flights between the UK capital and Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen and with its recent planning permission approved for a £344 million development, its expansion will ensure existing Scottish routes can continue to flourish and open up the prospect of new routes. Nora Senior, Chair, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “As we charter new arrangements with the European Union in the wake of Brexit, collaboration between business and government is key if we want to identify and take advantage of the growth opportunities out there and deal with the challenges in our economy. “As Scotland’s largest private sector membership network, we believe that SMEs are, and will continue to be, the driving force behind a strong Scottish economy. These SMEs are often leading innovation and new technologies, which in turn bring highly skilled jobs into our economy, which fuels growth of our communities and cities.” On the Market Opening by the Scottish Chambers’ Network, Donald Brydon, Chairman, London Stock Exchange Group, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network and so many excellent Scottish businesses to London Stock Exchange. I’m proud that our two organisations continue to forge ever closer ties and together, we are committed to connecting high growth Scottish companies

with the global business and investment community. These businesses are driving innovation, job creation and economic prosperity up and down the country. “We already support over 100 companies in Scotland, through our growth market AIM, our business support programme ELITE and our ‘Inspiring Companies’ reports. We look forward, together with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, to expanding opportunities for Scottish companies in the future.”

If you’re interested in taking part in our 2017 events, meetings and engagements in London then email Charandeep Singh, Head of External Relations, Scottish Chambers of Commerce on csingh@scottishchambers. org.uk or call 0141 204 8316.

COVER STORY -

Business Scotland

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Virgin Trains to hold regular prison recruitment fairs Virgin Trains used a visit to HMP Addiewell in Edinburgh to announce that it was making prison recruitment fairs a regular part of its recruitment regime.

Richard Branson, Virgin Founder with Tammy Moreton who now works as a Revenue Protection Inspector

The London to Scotland operator is holding recruitment events behind bars across the UK every three months in a bid to identify talented candidates and help end the revolving door syndrome of reoffending. The train operator has been actively recruiting people with criminal convictions since 2013 when founder Sir Richard Branson challenged Virgin businesses and the wider business community to help reduce reoffending. In 2014 Virgin Trains undertook to employ 12 people with convictions as part of the contract awarded by the Department for Transport to run services on the west coast. It currently has 27 people working in the business who were recruited through this programme. Kathryn Wildman, who leads recruitment on the west coast route, said Virgin Trains had incorporated prison recruitment fairs into its normal recruitment programme after they proved successful in sourcing talented candidates for jobs with the company. Speaking after a recruitment fair held in HMP Addiewell, she said: “We started this process three years ago with relatively modest ambitions. But we’ve been really pleased with the calibre of candidates we’ve managed to attract through prison recruitment events and our wider ex offenders programme and so we’ve decided to incorporate these into our regular calendar of recruitment events. “This isn’t just about helping society and giving people a chance to turn their lives around. It’s hiring the best people no matter what their background is. We’d urge other employers who might be thinking about this to give it a go.” Virgin Trains has established partnerships with HM Prison Service, the Scottish Prison Service and private prison operators, all of whom work with inmates who are nearing the end of their sentence to identify employment opportunities. Scotland’s Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Supporting people into work when they come out of custody is

Business Scotland

an essential part of their reintegration, and helps to reduce the chances of them offending again. We are working with the public sector, including the Scottish Prison Service, and private businesses to make it easier for people with convictions to find employment. Virgin Trains are very supportive of this work and I am delighted to hear of this latest partnership with HMP Addiewell to tackle the barriers which

prevent people from turning their lives around.” In 2015, Virgin Trains began operating services on the east coast and is looking to expand this programme to include that route.

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Ex-forces ViNE grows with support from the Royal Bank of Scotland Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce’s ViNE programme which supports ex-military personnel into self-employment, received a boost today from Chamber members The Royal Bank of Scotland. The Royal Bank of Scotland has been a supporter of ViNE (Veterans into New Enterprise) since its inception and has provided help and assistance to veterans interested in starting up their own business. This week they formally became official

partners of the programme, pledging the support of their expert business advisors and mentors. CEO of Forth Valley Chamber Michelle McKearnon said, “In recent years, the team at Royal Bank of Scotland have been great supporters of both the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce , and the work we do to support ex-forces personnel. I am delighted to be moving this support onto a more official footing by announcing them as corporate partners of the ViNE programme. For our business start-ups and fledgling entrepreneurs to be able to draw on Royal Bank of Scotland experience and mentoring is going to be a huge benefit.”

“I am proud to be able to support the Vine initiative in tandem with Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce. It can be extremely daunting facing the transition to the civilian world following a military career, before you even begin considering the challenges of being your own boss for the first time in the SME marketplace! Through our local Relationship Manager & Business Growth Enabler Allan Campbel,l our aim is to deliver local face to face expertise and practical advice & support as well as access to local networks. “

Alan Smart, Director of Business Banking for The Royal Bank of Scotland commented,

Business Scotland

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Engineer is Scotland’s top apprentice A civil engineer has been named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year at this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS). Shetland Islander Joe Smith also received the Apprentice of the Year Level 4 and above Award at the CGI sponsored event in the National Museum of Scotland, in Edinburgh. The 22-year-old said: “I would say to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship to go for it, they won’t regret it. It is the way forward and it is the best thing I have ever done.” Tingwall-based Joe had a weekend job as a ground worker with Lerwick-based concrete specialists Tulloch Developments while he was still at school and has now become one of the firm’s most respected civil engineers. Joe has site-managed projects including land reclamation, tarring six miles of road on a gas plant, setting out works for an airport runway approach and constructing a suspended walkway under a bridge. Incredibly, Joe’s partner Clare Farmer was also a finalist at the awards. The accountancy apprentice made the final three in the Apprentice of the Year Level 2 category – thankfully not the same category as Joe. SDS’s Chief Executive Damien Yeates congratulated all the apprentice winners. He added: “Congratulations also to all of our employer winners for their commitment to developing apprentices. These Awards highlight how work based learning and apprentices are helping to build Scotland’s workforce of the future.” West Lothian Council worker Connor Waldron is the Foundation Apprentice of the

Year. The former St Kentigern’s Academy pupil spent time each Friday and during summer and Easter holidays at West Lothian College. The 17-year-old’s commitment paid off because he now spends his days repairing heavy plant and lorries as a HGV Vehicle Maintenance apprentice. Ayrshire teenager Murrie Robertson won the Apprentice of the Year Level 2 category. The Kilmarnock-based 18-year-old, who has learning difficulties, is an Active Schools Modern Apprentice with East Ayrshire Council and works with children and young people with additional support needs. Glasgow nursery practitioner Colette Cassidy was named Apprentice of the Year at Level 3. The 18-year-old was nominated by Lullaby Lane’s director Pauline Scott who described the Knightswood apprentice’s work ethic as “exceptional”. Aberdeen Asset Management worker Sophie Ewen received the Apprentice Ambassador of the Year award for her commitment to promoting apprenticeships and helping young people develop their career opportunities. The 21-year-old also runs employability workshops for young people in her home city of Aberdeen. The event was also an opportunity to celebrate apprentice employers of all sizes across the country. Employer winners list: n Micro Employer of the Year - Maclean Construction n SME Employer of the Year - Ferguson Marine n Large Employer of the Year - Lloyds Banking Group n Public Sector Employer of the Year - City Building LLP

Business Scotland

n Promoting Diversity Employer of the Year - BAE Systems Naval Ships Maggie Morrison, Vice President, Public Sector Scotland, of principal sponsors CGI said: “Modern Apprentices are vital to Scottish businesses and to the future competitiveness of Scotland’s economy “The world is changing and moving forward I see the need to focus even more on work based learning and to ensure that this has parity of esteem with alternative more traditional academic routes.” Find out more about apprenticeships at www.apprenticeships.scot

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017 Employers are encouraged to get involved with Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017 which will run from Monday 6 to Friday 10 March. The campaign celebrates the benefits apprenticeships bring to businesses, individuals and the economy. Events and activity will be taking place across Scotland, from Shetland to the Borders, showcasing the successes of apprentices who have chosen to get a job, get paid and get qualified to develop their careers and the support from employers who have invested in them. The week is coordinated by national skills body, Skills Development Scotland, and is backed by employers from family firms to global businesses. For further info visit www.scottishapprenticeshipweek.com

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

Scottish shipyard scoops top award Ferguson Marine Engineering (FME), a Clyde Blowers Capital company, have been named as SME Employer of the Year at the 2016 Scottish Apprenticeships Awards. The event, held at the National Museum of Scotland and hosted by Skills Development Scotland, celebrated the best of Scottish businesses and, in particular, companies

which continue to support and nurture apprenticeship talent throughout Scotland. The award comes at an exciting time for the Clyde-based shipyard as they have recently pledged to employ 150 apprentices by 2020 which represents a significant move in investing in young Scottish talent. Kelly O’Rourke, Head of Human Resources at FME, commented: “‘With an aging profile within our established workforce, the apprenticeship programme allows us to capture the highly valued skills and knowledge of our workforce, and transfer this to a new generation. This will help to ensure sustainability and sound succession planning.” “Apprentices have reduced the company’s age profile, and attracted female employees in what’s traditionally been a maledominated environment. We are expanding into new areas where we can continue to grow, and apprentices are a very important part of those plans.”

Ferguson Marine Engineering receiving the praise it undoubtedly deserves.” “Investing in young talent is crucial for FME to develop their workforce and we look forward to seeing the young apprentices progress and add real value within the company.” Under Clyde Blowers Capital’s leadership to date, FME have increased the workforce to over 250 employees and, on 16th September 2016, delivered the vessel “MV Catriona” to Caledonian Maritime Assets, 6 weeks ahead of schedule.

Jim McColl, CEO and Founder of Clyde Blowers Capital, added: “It is fantastic to see Business Scotland

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

The week is coordinated by national skills body, Skills Development Scotland, and is backed by employers from family firms to global businesses. Apprentices are a great way for employers to source new talent, while embracing equality and diversity will open up new opportunities to grow as a business. Apprenticeships are designed to meet the needs of industry and help businesses grow. Because they learn through experience, apprentices develop and refine their new skills to suit the business they are working in and the customers they serve. As well as hiring new people, employers can use apprenticeships to upskill existing staff. So not only do employers get engaged,

motivated and more productive employees, the business has staff it needs to grow. There are more than 25,500 new Modern Apprenticeship opportunities across Scotland each year, with over 80 different types available in hundreds of jobs. From financial services and healthcare to construction and IT, each apprenticeship is developed by industry to suit their needs. This means that apprentices can build valuable work experience from day-one and gain an accredited qualification which is recognised by industry. Not only do apprentices bring fresh ideas to the business, learning on the job means they get to know the business inside out and can

There are more than 25,500 new Modern Apprenticeship opportunities across Scotland each year, with over 80 different types available in hundreds of jobs. Business Scotland

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

apply their learning right away. Employers are enthusiastic about apprentices – 96% say those who have completed a Modern Apprenticeship are more able to do their job, with 89% saying they would recommend an apprentice within their industry.* New Foundation Apprenticeships mean young people can also now start a Modern Apprenticeship at school and employers can prepare future employees for the world of work. With a Foundation Apprenticeship pupils in S5 can complete elements of a Modern

Apprenticeship alongside their other studies, such as Highers or Advanced Highers. Foundation Apprenticeships take two years to complete with pupils spending part of the week out of school, getting handson experience at college and with a local employer in their chosen industry. With a Foundation Apprenticeship under their belt they leave school with an industryrecognised qualification which is set at SCQF level 6 (the same level as a Higher).

and communication – that come from quality work experience. This means they’re better prepared for the workplace when they leave school. Foundation Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for employers to spot talented, motivated pupils who could become future employees. *SDS Evaluation Research and LMI MA Employer Survey 2015

As well as gaining their qualification, Foundation Apprentices develop the soft skills – like time management, teamwork

New Graduate Level Apprenticeships provide work based learning opportunities up to Master’s degree level for employees Created in partnership with industry and the further and higher education sector, these apprenticeships combine academic knowledge with skills development to enable participants to become more effective and productive in the workplace. As they are in continuing employment, apprentices can directly apply their academic learning to real-life situations, all the while earning a salary. For employers, they are a great way to develop existing staff who can work towards a

degree without having to take time off. Graduate Level Apprentices are able to access the same learning opportunities as those who go down the traditional route of direct entry into college or university and can progress to the highest level of

professional qualifications with a range of entry and exit points from a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8)) to a Master’s degree (SCQF level 11). Find out more and get ideas at www.scottishapprenticeshipweek.com

Business Scotland

FORTH VALLEY COLLEGE

Interested in Recruiting a Modern Apprentice Forth Valley College is one of Scotland’s largest trainers of Modern Apprentices (MAs) and there is a very good reason for that. Our expert lecturing staff and excellent facilities help to tailor training specifically to each employer. We offer MAs in areas ranging from Management, Construction and Hospitality to Business, Engineering and Care and we pride ourselves on our close professional links with each industry.

their capability. When you take on a new employee they might not have all the skills you need right now or you may have a current employee who might need new skills to take on a different role.

route, designed to support your business to train your employees.

MAs gain the skills they need through on the job training and are supported in achieving industry recognised qualifications via FVC. These are gained on a day release basis, via work based assessor visits to the candidates’ place of work, or a combination of both.

MA’s provide employees with the opportunity to gain essential skills and industry recognised qualifications via approved industry recognised training frameworks. The duration of each MA is dependent on the sector the apprentice is working in and aspects of the programme can be tailored to suit your business.

MAs are just like every other employee – so you still have to pay their salary while they’re being trained, and provide any equipment they’ll need to do the job. However, FVC draw down funding from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) which contributes towards the cost of the training.

A MA could be a new team member or an existing employee seeking to increase

The MA qualification can be delivered at different levels to suit the requirements

Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) are a nationally recognised training and qualification

Has your business considered taking on an Apprentice? Modern Apprenticeships can be structured in a variety of different ways, depending on the subject areas and your requirements. Programmes will consist of a Scottish Vocational Qualification at either Level 2, 3 or 4 which will relate directly to the specific job or industry sector. Modern Apprenticeships currently offered by Forth Valley College (FVC) and supported by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) are as follows:

• Business & Administration • Chemical Manufacturing & Petroleum Industries • Construction (All Trades) • Engineering • Hairdressing • Hospitality • Life Sciences • Management • Social Services & Healthcare

Interested? Then get in touch!

Email: businessdevelopment@forthvalley.ac.uk Tel: 0845 634 4444 Click: www.forthvalley.ac.uk © Forth Valley College 2016. All information was correct at time of publishing, but may be subject to change. CM410

Business Scotland

of the business and the MA. All levels of MAs contain Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and Core Skills. Additionally, some frameworks require underpinning knowledge qualifications at National Certificate (NC) or Higher National Certificate (HNC) level.

Interested?

Please go to www.forthvalley.ac.uk/industrytraining/modern-apprenticeships/ to register your interest and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your business needs. Email: businessdevelopment@forthvalley. ac.uk Telephone: 0845 634 4444

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info@polaris-learning.com info@polaris-learning.com +44+44 (0)1651 873398 (0)1651 873398 Polaris Learning Ltd Ltd Polaris Learning 12 Meadows Industrial Estate 12 Meadows Industrial Estate Oldmeldrum Oldmeldrum Inverurie Inverurie Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire AB51 0EZ 0EZ AB51

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TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT - 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.

of your 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

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

• Licensing • Nautical Studies and Marine Engineering • Sport

Let Learning Flourish www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk

Business Scotland

SCOTLAND NEEDS LEADERS No matter how big your organisation, strong leadership and management qualifications have a critical role to play in its success. Whether you are an SME or an international corporation, effective managers provide direction, facilitate change and tackle business issues head on through innovation. They can boost productivity, loyalty and morale to help maximise growth. Strong leaders and great managers enrich the UK economy – in a recent CBI education and skills survey, 70% of companies said they would need more people with leadership and management talent.

Qualified to succeed Good management skills cannot just be picked up as you go along. Even those with excellent technical knowledge and experience can struggle in a management role without the proper qualifications and training.

That’s where SQA can help SQA Leadership and Management qualifications are developed in close partnership with industry experts to ensure they are robust and relevant to the real world requirements of your business.

There is a wide range of qualifications available to help improve leadership and management at every level. And they are applicable to all types of business, from the local retailer to the national call centre. These qualifications are helping to create a new generation of business leaders and managers with the ability to energise Scottish businesses and Scotland’s economy. SQA is committed to boosting vocational and business training, and to supporting education at every level in Scotland.

Progress begins here At SQA we don’t just create qualifications, we benefit from them as well. SQA employs over 700 staff, and we recognise the importance of a well-trained and motivated workforce. Many of our staff will achieve one or more SQA qualifications while they are with us. In particular, SQA Leadership and Management qualifications are offered to our staff through

our Personal Development Programmes. We are developing the skills today that will take our organisation forward into the future.

“As a large employer in Scotland, SQA are committed to continuous learning, and our staff have undertaken — and achieved — a wide variety of SQA leadership and management qualifications. We not only develop these qualifications, but use them in our organisation to help us nurture and develop our own staff. This ensures that our leaders and managers have effective skills when managing teams, and also helps with our business continuity and future plans.” Maidie Cahill, Director of Corporate Services, SQA

Becoming a centre To offer our qualifications, you can become a centre in your own right, or we can put you in touch with one of our SQA Approved Centres. If you’re already delivering SQA qualifications, but are not yet approved to offer Leadership and Management, speak to your SQA Account Manager. Every organisation that works with SQA is automatically appointed a dedicated Account Manager. They will get to know you and your business and work with you to tailor the right products and services for you. Approved Centres also have access to our free support materials on our SQA secure website. Business Development T:0303 333 0330 E: leaders@sqa.org.uk W: www.sqa.org.uk/leaders

DIGITAL APPRENTICESHIPS SCOTLAND’S MOST ESTABLISHED TECHNICAL APPRENTICESHIP PROVIDER ‘Find it difficult to cost effectively upskill your staff or recruit the right IT skills? Yes? YouTrain IT Apprenticeships could be your answer.’

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The ability ability to toretain retainindividuals individualswho who The make aa difference differenceto toorganisational organisational make performanceeither eitherthrough throughtheir their performance immediate contribution contribution or ortheir theirhigh highpotential potentialcan can immediate to positive positive economic economicresults.” results.” lead to

Creating inspirational inspirational managers managers to drive your business business forward forward W

hatever hatever your your business business or or industry, industry,you youcan canbe be sure you you will will benefit benefit from from the theprogrammes programmes on offer at Andrew Andrew Carnegie Carnegie Business BusinessSchool. School.As As a leading provider of training and development, provider of training and development, we help teams teams develop develop the the skills skillsrequired requiredtoto run run aa more more successful, successful, more more efficient efficientand andmore more profitable profitable organisation. organisation.With With training trainingexpertise expertise in in the the development development and and delivery deliveryofofLeadership, Leadership, Change, Change, Quality, Quality, Project, Project,Programme, Programme,Risk, Risk,Sales Sales and and Marketing Marketing Management, Management,Andrew AndrewCarnegie Carnegie Business Business School School supports supports organisations organisationstotodevelop develop excellent excellent people. people. The The importance importance of of investing investing inin your youremployees’ employees’ leadership leadership and and management management skills skillstraining trainingand and development development should should never never be be underestimated. underestimated.Your Your people people manage manage and and control control your yourbusiness business––they they are are the the ones ones who who give give you you the the competitive competitiveedge edgetoto succeed succeed in in an an aggressive aggressive market marketplace. place. The The ability ability to to retain retain individuals individuals who whomake makeaa difference to organisational performance difference to organisational performanceeither either through through their their immediate immediate contribution contributionorortheir theirhigh high potential can lead to positive economic results. potential can lead to positive economic results. Our qualifications are career-focused, Our qualifications are career-focused, designed in response to what designed in response to what employers need and value employers need and value At Andrew Carnegie Business School, we can At Andrew Carnegie Business School, we can help you plan for the future success of your help you plan for the future success of your business by providing flexible training solutions; business by providing flexible training solutions; from scoping needs though to programme design, from scoping needs though to programme design, delivery and evaluation. We provide access to delivery and evaluation. We provide access to high quality programmes across a wide range of high quality programmes across a wide range of management disciplines accredited by leading managementinstitutions. disciplinesSome accredited leading professional of ourby more popular professional institutions. Some of our courses include accredited Institute of more Sales popular and courses include accredited Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM) programmes, Marketing Management (ISMM) programmes,

Chartered CharteredManagement ManagementInstitute Institute(CMI) (CMI)programmes, programmes, Chartered CharteredQuality QualityInstitute Institute(CQI) (CQI)programmes programmesand and Chartered CharteredInstitute InstituteofofPersonnel Personneland andDevelopment Development (CIPD) (CIPD)programmes. programmes.We Wealso alsooffer offera afull fullsuite suiteofof project, project,programme, programme,portfolio portfolioand andrisk riskmanagement management qualifications qualificationsincluding includingPRINCE2®, PRINCE2®,APM, APM,MSP®, MSP®, M_o_R® M_o_R®and andP3O®. P3O®. Linda LindaGreig, Greig,Director DirectorofofBusiness BusinessDevelopment, Development, isisvery enthusiastic about very enthusiastic aboutthe thecourses coursesononoffer offer and andthe thebenefits benefitsthey theycan canbring; bring;“Ranging “Rangingfrom from certificate certificatetotopostgraduate postgraduatelevel, level,our ourflexible, flexible, professional professionalcourses coursesand andtraining trainingallow allowindividuals individuals and employers to fit training around and employers to fit training aroundtheir theirwork workand and other othercommitments. commitments. “Our “Ourqualifications qualificationsare arecareer-focused, career-focused,designed designed ininresponse responsetotowhat whatemployers employersneed needand andvalue, value, assisting assistingemployees employeesinintheir theirjob jobrole roleperformance performance and andunderstanding, understanding,which whichtranslates translatesinto intoa a more moreproductive productiveand andefficient efficientwork workforce, force,ininturn turn strengthening strengtheningyour yourcompetitive competitiveposition. position.Our Our programmes programmesare arecurrent currentand andcontemporary, contemporary,with witha a practical focus, to help create inspirational managers practical focus, to help create inspirational managers and leaders who will take a business forward.” and leaders who will take a business forward.”

individuals from PRINCE2 that individualsalready alreadybenefiting benefiting from PRINCE2 that would onon how to to apply Agile wouldlike likefurther furtherguidance guidance how apply Agile methods recognised project methodstotothetheworld’s world’smost most recognised project management method. management method. PRINCE2 only Agile project framework PRINCE2Agile Agileis isthethe only Agile project framework covering of of Agile, including coveringthethefullfullspectrum spectrum Agile, including SCRUM, Cynefin and Lean Startup. Unlike SCRUM,Kanban, Kanban, Cynefin and Lean Startup. Unlike other methodologies, otherAgile Agileproject projectmanagement management methodologies, PRINCE2 how they work and how PRINCE2Agile Agileexplains explains how they work and how they into a project environment. theycan canbebeincorporated incorporated into a project environment. For “isn’t Agile anan IT IT Forthose thosewho whoarearethinking, thinking, “isn’t Agile delivery “I “Idon’t work in in IT IT soso thisthis is is deliverytool?” tool?”oror don’t work irrelevant PRINCE2 Agile can bebe applied to to irrelevanttotome”, me”, PRINCE2 Agile can applied any project, in any industry sector, it is not purely any project, in any industry sector, it is not purely ITITororsoftware softwarefocused. focused.

Mike Engineering Manager MikeGilbert, Gilbert,Mechanical Mechanical Engineering Manager atatglobal of of fuel dispensers, globalbased basedmanufacturer manufacturer fuel dispensers, Tokheim about Andrew Carnegie Tokheimhad hadthis thistotosay say about Andrew Carnegie Business School; “Tokheim has adopted Business School; “Tokheim has adopted PRINCE2 of of years and have PRINCE2training trainingforfora number a number years and have consistently Andrew Carnegie Business consistentlyused used Andrew Carnegie Business School to perform the mentoring and training. School to perform the mentoring and training. The tutors are excellent, giving clear and precise The tutors are excellent, giving clear and precise information at the correct level and the material information at the correct level and the material Andrew Carnegie Business Schools adds Andrew Carnegie Business Schools adds supplied is excellent. supplied is excellent. PRINCE2 Agile® to its extensive portfolio PRINCE2 Agile® to its extensive portfolio “The follow up on the courses is also very Andrew Carnegie Business School is delighted “The follow up on the courses is also very Andrew Carnegie Business School is delighted professional and based on this full package to add PRINCE2 Agile to our extensive portfolio, professional and based on this full package to add PRINCE2 Agile to our extensive portfolio, Tokheim will continue to use Andrew Carnegie offering our clients a complete project Tokheim will continue to use Andrew Carnegie Business School for future training.” offering our clients a complete project management training and consultancy service. Business School for future training.” management training and consultancy service. If you would like to find out more about how PRINCE2 Agile is the world’s most complete project If you would like to find out more about how PRINCE2 Agile is the world’s most complete project Andrew Carnegie Business School can help you management solution, combining the flexibility and Andrew Carnegie Business School can help you management solution, combining the flexibility and make a positive impact on your bottom line, then responsiveness of Agile with the clearly defined make aour positive impact on your bottom line, then contact Business Development Team on 0344 responsiveness of Agile with the clearly defined framework of PRINCE2®. contact our Business Development Team on 248 0152, email info@carnegiebusiness.com0344 or framework of PRINCE2®. 248www.carnegiebusiness.com. 0152, email info@carnegiebusiness.com or PRINCE2 Agile is a new extension module visit PRINCE2 is a new extension moduleand visit www.carnegiebusiness.com. tailored forAgile forward-thinking organisations 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. PRINCE2®, PRINCE2® Agile, P3O®, MSP® and MoP® are registered trade marks of AXELOS Limited. The Swirl logo™ is a trade mark of AXELOS Limited.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Kumon is the largest supplementary education provider in the UK & Ireland with over 670 study centres, including 23 in Scotland. Kumon’s growing network of franchisees are independent business owners who share a passion for education. Sandra Ritchie, Instructor at the Kumon Perth Study Centre, said: “I became a Kumon instructor after watching the fantastic progress my friend’s children were making when studying with Kumon. Not only was individualised study improving their maths and English, but they were developing skills which would equip them for life-long learning. Kumon has been life changing for many of my students.”

To talk to us about starting your own Kumon Maths and English Study Centre call 01698 209290 or visit kumon.co.uk.

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Business Scotland

In addition to having the security of a proven business model and the power of a global brand behind you, Kumon’s extensive support network will provide all the help necessary to make your business a success. Visit kumon.co.uk or call 01698 209290 to find out more about opening your own Kumon Maths and English Study Centre.

02/08/2016 10:18

SCOTLAND NEEDS LEADERS

SQA Leadership and Management Qualifications SQA Leadership and Management qualifications are developed with industry to drive up skills amongst Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future business leaders and managers.

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

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT - STRATHCLYDE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Engaging with Strathclyde SBS has a long and proud history of being a pioneering business school - and part of a university - with ‘useful learning’ at its heart. An important part of this is the connection we have with business through both our teaching and research, which results in mutual benefits. As an innovative business school, and part of a leading technological university, we work hard to ensure our students get the industry experience required to graduate as workready employees. Our degree programmes, from undergraduate to postgraduate and research, benefit from business guest speakers, case studies, site visits, and events such as conferences involving a wide range of business representatives. Students also work on projects put forward by businesses and also take part in internships as part of their course. While the students get direct business experience through engaging in these projects, business benefits too. Projects carried out for companies in the past have led to recommendations subsequently implemented by the business. Businesses are guaranteed work of value - while our MBA students have a wealth of business experience themselves to offer, our younger students’ work is backed up by experienced academic staff. Feedback from businesses who work with us in this way has been overwhelmingly positive. For example, our MSc in Business Analysis Consulting has an internship built in to the programme and last year, more than 35 selected students worked with over 25 different companies such as Capita, Department of Health and Tesco Bank. Projects and case studies are also on

Business Scotland

offer to the students from companies such as Accenture, British Airways, RBS and Simul8 to name a few. Our MSc in Global Energy Management students also have the option of an internship. Companies benefit from the work the students carry out, as well as having the chance to try out a student in what is effectively an extended job interview. Quite often our internships lead to permanent employment - a win-win for both business school and business. Companies involved this year included EDF Trading, SSE, Bloomberg New Energy Finance and Ricardo AEA. Our flagship MBA programme is highly experiential and based on collaborative learning – students are encouraged to share their varied managerial work experience, knowledge and skills with each other. Students also undertake the Strategic Consulting in Practice (SCIP) module where they address a strategic issue provided by a client organisation, with clients often adopting the proposed solutions and ideas. The final MBA Project allows our students to analyse and research a strategic work issue and often this is based within an organisation. These are just a few of our 20plus postgraduate programmes in subjects covering areas such as accounting & finance, economics, HRM, project management, marketing, business analysis and more.

We are home to the Centre for Corporate Connections which offers bespoke business courses for employers and employees. Companies we currently work with on tailored MBA and business courses include Babcock, Weir Group, Santander, Iberdrola and William Grant & Sons. We also work with Santander Corporate & Commercial on our pioneering Growth Advantage Programme. This programme is unique in Scotland and provides the opportunity for leaders of growth-oriented Scottish SMEs to take a step back from the daily demands of scaling their business to develop a robust strategy for growth combined with practical ways to deliver sustained growth. Participants from businesses across Scotland have so far taken part in this programme which is now in its second year. The overall impact of the Growth Advantage Programme and our other engagements with business has been recognised by the award of the Small Business Charter Gold Award – we are the first business school in Scotland and one of just 5 in the UK to receive this award. It recognises our world-leading support for scaling Scottish firms through innovation, internationalism and leadership. There are opportunities throughout our postgraduate and executive programmes for business to get engaged with Strathclyde Business School. For further information, sbs.engage@strath.ac.uk

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

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.

www.strath.ac.uk/business Business Scotland

INSTITUTE FOR MANAGEMENT STUDIES

Learning from the very best with The Institute for Management Studies One of the keys to succeeding in business is recognising how to access high quality learning and development interventions that help drive the individual, team and business forward.

Graeme Wilkinson

Chairman of The Institute for Management Studies

Which is why joining The Institute for Management Studies (IMS) makes such good sense. For a modest annual fee, organisations and companies can enjoy seminars and outstanding online learning resources held in Scotland and 26 other regions across the US and Europe. These sessions are led by truly world-class international experts in their respective fields at a fraction of the cost open public courses or private in-house events could realise. Graeme Wilkinson, who before becoming the Chairman of IMS in Scotland worked in financial services as a Learning and Development professional, has organised a stellar line-up of speakers for 2017, each one of which is an exceptional educator and

Business Scotland

published author in their given specialism. The Institute for Management Studies has been operating successfully since being formed in the United States in 1974. Graeme is therefore building on IMS’ track record of an internationally-recognised and respected organisation which has for more than forty years provided its members with the most innovative, cost-effective and unequalled management development series available. Its growth is such that today there are 450 IMS corporate member organisations across North America and Europe, including many of the world’s largest businesses. About 20,000 leaders and managers attend monthly one-day IMS Leadership Masterclasses each year. In Scotland, the Masterclasses are staged at the elegant Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh for participants from 17 IMS Corporate Members, including Abellio ScotRail, Baillie Gifford, City of Edinburgh Counci, Fife Council, Forth Ports, Glasgow City Council, Royal Bank of Scotland,

Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Prison Service, Scottish Water, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), Standard Life, Tesco Bank, The Scottish Government, the University of Edinburgh, Webhelp UK and Wood Mackenzie. One of the biggest benefits for the members is that they are given the opportunity to gain access to speakers whose excellence is such that they can usually command large fees, but who can be enjoyed at a fraction of the cost through IMS membership. Graeme said: “The IMS programmes offer participants the opportunity to interact with, and learn from, some of the world’s leading management thinkers on an ongoing basis, helping leaders and employees to become more effective and improve their decisionmaking skills. “You only have to look at the quality of the speakers that IMS seminars attract to see why membership is such a good idea for businesses.

INSTITUTE FOR MANAGEMENT STUDIES

“We attract the very best in the world to pass on their expertise on a range of topics. They are inspiring speakers who are much in demand across the globe and we bring them to talk to Scottish based businesses and their employees. “More than 400 major organisations worldwide, many of them Fortune 500 companies, include IMS as a key component of their overall development strategy so becoming a member makes sound commercial sense. “IMS membership is the most affordable investment they can make for the continuous growth and development of their most important resource – their people.“

In addition to being Chairman of IMS in Scotland, Graeme runs his own successful learning consultancy business and is delighted to organise and facilitate for no additional cost, private corporate sessions with the IMS speakers for Member organisations after the masterclasses. He said: “Listening to, and speaking with, leading business speakers can help people to gain a new perspective on the way they do business. Offering them the chance to meet them in a more intimate yet highly focussed private event always prove a very useful experience.”

2017 programme offers a stellar line-up The IMS Scotland programme will feature some of the most soughtafter business speakers in the world: Julia Sloan Breakthrough Ideas: How to Become a More Strategic Thinker 27th January Terry Schmidt Breakthrough Planning Methods for Achieving Key Goals 23rd February Mitch Ditkoff Creating the Innovation Mindset 28th March Tojo Thatchenkery Appreciative Intelligence®: Transforming Difficult Conversations and Discovering Common Ground 6th April Paul McGee The SUMO Principles of Leadership 10th May 2017 Dr Clinton Longenecker A Leader's Guide to Building a High-Performance Workplace 15th June Alan Zimmerman Motivation, Cooperation and Trust: Reaching for the Next Level 7th July John Daly Relationship Management: Ten Skills Leaders Need to Get the Best From Others 24th August Kaihan Krippendorff The Power of Innovative and Strategic Thinking 14th September Jeanne Porter King Influence to Impact: Leveraging Interpersonal Power for Women Leaders 12th October Ty Bennett Increasing Your Personal Impact: Maximize Your Power to Influence Others 16th November

Noah Barsky The One Day MBA: The Tools You Need for World-Class Performance 7th December

Some Member testimonials Helen Lennox, Head of Corporate Affairs and Digital at Scottish Water Being a Member of Institute for Management Studies, Scotland allows us to step away from normal business to hear about other leadership skills and experiences. The Masterclasses allow me to hear from experts in leadership and the latest thinking. I was able to take away new knowledge and expertise and the event allowed good networking opportunities. I’ve attended 2 IMS Seminars this year and have thoroughly enjoyed both, I have taken so much away from the sessions which I believe is directly related to the quality of the delivery. The speakers were hugely inspirational, sharing stories and experiences of their years of applying techniques and the success of them, not just delivering from a handout. These sessions will allow you to learn in a very interactive and lively environment both on the subject of delivery but also understanding more about yourself and your own behaviours and natural techniques. I can’t recommend them enough. Roslynne Keenan | Senior Analytics Manager | Customer Experience & Conduct Analytics | PBB Analytics & Decisioning | Data & Analytics, Services RBS Gogarburn

Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D as she delivered her globally acclaimed Seminar - Leadership Presence

Twelve benefits if you join the Institute for Management Studies IMS Leveraged Learning (L2) reinforces ‘live’ Masterclass learning – online. Members themselves choose 12 IMS Scotland Masterclass topics each year Excellent cross-sector networking opportunities at IMS Masterclasses Convenient local quality venues in 26 IMS Regions in North America and Europe Participants rate IMS Seminar Content Value’ at 91%+ ‘Excellent’ and Faculty Effectiveness’ rated 94%+ ‘Excellent’ No-Charge Telephone Consultancy with 10 of the worlds leading Business Consultants. No-Charge post Seminar session facilitated by Graeme Wilkinson, if required for qualifying Member attendance. No-Charge monthly Leadership Development IMS Book No-Charge Policy in cases of unavoidable delegate absence No-Charge, Work-saving IMS Booking and Tracking System IMS Participant fee £375+vat. Annual £2,400 IMS Subscription accesses all 26 IMS Regions For more information please visit www.ims-online.com/scotland or contact Graeme Wilkinson at Scotland@ims-online.com on 07796 938102

Business Scotland

CHAMBER MENTORING

Taking a ‘Helicopter View’ to Grow Business As a Member of ASVA, Business Mentoring was offered as an opportunity to access a different form of assistance which was warmly welcomed by Angus White of Direct Distribution Limited, mentored by Jim Loy. As Angus said “It was something that was offered and I wanted to try it as I thought it could be worthwhile given my role and the context in our organisation”.

areas for action, finding time to follow through as well as freeing up time to manage the business strategically. In this way I was able to step back to assess and develop a process for planning ahead for the long term”. As a mentor Jim recognised that Angus was very good at the core business however the influence of external factors such as the new routes to market and communication channels such as social media will have an increasing impact on this model. “I wanted to explore these influences and let Angus work through the significance of the changes in the wider market and how they will impact on the future of the business. I was able to ask the questions and share information and approaches from other comparators that helped to show the significance and scale of the changes that could impact his business with new approaches to advertising through the web and social media”. Angus acknowledges the value of this and now has a clearer strategic plan.

Why Mentoring? Angus was looking for a form of support that was objective and could provide some personal support and insights from other enterprise situations. He said “The prospect of some additional, impartial, experienced objective views and guidance was an attractive proposition to me working as the sole Director. I had no detailed or high expectations just a willingness to give it a try. I wanted someone who would be honest and objective in their views; straight and open, strong enough to say what they thought about things and bring their own experience to the table”.

Mentoring Process “The process worked really well, smooth and effective from the start. It was great” said Angus. “I was given three or four names and profiles to consider then make a preferred selection of the person I thought might suit best”. For the mentor, Jim Loy, it was important that the initial meeting established the basis for a relationship. “We needed to see if there was any chemistry – there was and it went great from there onward. Angus was energised and enthusiastic about the prospects while being realistic about the challenges. I have mentored many individuals over the years and the initial meeting is important to success then to have future meetings outside the business to get away from the daily diversions and inevitable calls on his time. This allows us to take the helicopter view and work more on the business, looking at strategic issues rather than the day to day pressures. The process must also suit the person being mentored,

Business Scotland

Angus White, Director

recognising their situation, the challenges and opportunities in context and how best to gain from their own contribution and finding answers themselves”.

The Business Issues “I wanted someone with general business and strategy experience rather than a detailed specialist in one area such as finance. Experience of sales and marketing was also something I thought might be useful to tap into and learn from different approaches in these areas. I found all of this in my mentor Jim”. Jim led the process of the meetings and the topics to discuss while sharing his experience and giving pointers on possible things to consider. Jim set the structure for discussions to address areas that Angus wanted to focus on. This allowed regular discussions of 1-2 hours a month to produce a productive basis for trust and shared understanding of how best to make progress. “It was good to meet away from the business so we could focus without interruptions and speak freely” said Angus. “Jim was always pro-active, setting the scene for the issues and prompting me to consider things in different ways. This helped me to see the wood from the trees and look ahead more clearly”. Angus said “We covered a range of issues including staff recruitment and team building, how to focus on growth, prioritise

The Mentoring Effects A range of impacts were delivered from the mentoring experience. These have had a direct effect on the business leader and the future business structure and performance. “The big thing for me was having someone to discuss the issues and the potential approaches” said Angus “It gave me time to step back and consider where we were heading and how we could get where we wanted to be with me directing the business more strategically. I was able to profile and assess my role and that of others around me more effectively, to identify strengths and focus on management”. Jim remembers the closing comments from Angus at their last mentoring session: “Angus said that he has changed a lot in terms of his thinking, That is fundamental and a great credit. He acknowledges that he is now more strategic in his outlook, more focused on the team approach and has successfully grown the team with a positive impact on the business. Improvements can be seen in all these areas of the business which is great to see. Angus recognises that he needs to let go of some things and allow the team to develop within a sustainable business. As Jim recalls “He was over stretched previously and that has changed, with improved results and less stress all round. The real test has been passed: the business works when Angus is not there.”

CHAMBER MENTORING

What made Mentoring Work? The sounding board and challenge were key factors for Angus. “It was important to have someone alongside to challenge me and do this on a regular basis for some time. It really helped to take time out regularly and to be challenged. I had to deliver on my promises to take action on specific tasks between meetings then update at our discussions. That meant that I had to prioritise, focus and think more strategically. It happened; I avoided being dragged into the daily detail which sounds obvious but is actually difficult when I am the sole Director. I now have the confidence and systems in place to step back and let others in the team contribute more while I keep an eye on the future direction of the business. “I have put specific actions in place and moved the business forward through more effective business systems and management processes. These are real impacts that will pay even greater dividends in future with increases in employment, turnover and profitability”. For the mentor Jim, the ability to challenge and ask questions without influence of fees or other forms of self-interest is vital for business mentoring to work “As a mentor, I can say what I really think and have no fear in giving my views as a mentor. This is liberating for me; I can pass on helpful information that can be applied immediately by the business leader. I can also stretch the business leader to look at things slightly differently and come up with their own solutions. I just help them through this process rather than give advice, solutions or answers. “We discussed many topics in depth, debated and shared our views freely. I can also see how Angus has sharpened his focus on key performance indicators, statistics on sales and margins to analyse any changes in the balance of trade and profitability. This is vital for future sustainability, competitiveness and growth of the business. It has been a good experience”.

Would you recommend mentoring? “Absolutely” said Angus “I would still like to have a mentor with me; the experience worked really well and my worry now is how to carry on without a mentor! I hope the programme continues to expand for others and indeed for me again in future”. Jim is also a strong supporter of business mentoring and a committed mentor. “It is so valuable to business leaders, especially those who feel isolated in their work; they need someone to share and explore issues and ideas without losing face in front of the rest of the team – they are the leaders so they are expected to have the answers and the confidence to drive the business to succeed continuously. That is a tough place to be. There are times when we all need someone to provide a different form of support and development. Mentoring does that”.

Business Scotland

CHAMBER MENTORING

Business profile: Rae McNicol, Lloyds Banking Group Rae McNicol holds a senior position in the Lloyds Banking Group and has been an active and committed mentor working across Scotland for a number of years.

She has mentored many individuals internally as part of the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mentoring programme and as a Mentor with the British Bankers Association and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. Rae has often mentored several people at one time while retaining all the responsibilities of a senior position in a high pressure commercial environment. She has managed to do all this successfully and repeatedly in recent years. Rae has great energy, enthusiasm and motivation to assist business leaders in small organisations, including female led businesses. Rae has worked as a mentor with market leaders, as well as innovative successes in start-up environments. She has over 20 years of top calibre senior-level experience with in-depth knowledge across finance, personnel and legal areas. Her role in mentoring has seen her assist small businesses become more sustainable and successful by influencing the way that leaders think and approach the challenges of their business and its growth. This she does with a care and deep consideration of the need to balance business and personal longterm goals. She remains quietly effective and unassuming, assisting others to see the

Business Scotland

bigger picture without losing sight of the details and the personal pressures of being an entrepreneur and a business leader. Rae has sound principles and standards that are applied to her professional and voluntary work, including mentoring. She leads by example and sets a range of key measures including: connection, impact and change. She leads by inspiration rather than direction, mentoring her staff, colleagues and business leaders/mentees in the importance of recognising the goals and aspirations while assessing the risks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she knows and communicates the message that the chosen course of action has to work personally for the individual. Rae has a desire to share knowledge and to help through mentoring others. She loves to see how the mentoring relationship leads to real change and growth in the person and the business. This happens regularly and often in a profound way with an inspirational combination of positive effects that happen through a gentle, light touch and personable approach. She also has been involved in mentoring a variety of non-profit organisations. By listening, prompting and sharing knowledge plus providing a boost from

someone who shares the desire for success in the right way, she engenders belief to achieve success. Rae has a gift to bring out the best in a mentoring relationship and remains modest throughout. She has delivered many successful mentoring relationships and inspired emerging business leaders to achieve ahead of schedule and in a responsible way; she has also assisted others to adjust and re-set the course of their business by recognising their position and the most suitable way forward. As a mentor Rae consistently exhibits genuine characteristics of enterprise and innovation in everything she does, set within a caring approach that never strays from the true role of an impartial mentor. In a mentoring relationship Rae is: Supportive: encourages the mentee to think aloud and assess the risks to make an informed and considered decision on the way ahead that faces up to the challenges and balances the menteeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional and personal development goal; Nurturing: creates a caring mentoring relationship and environment whereby the mentee can share with the mentor the issues that are most critical to him/her knowing that

CHAMBER MENTORING

confidentiality will be maintained and that Rae will provide learning and insight from her own experience and network of contacts; Protective: Rae makes certain that the mentee gathers and assesses all the information needed to make informed decisions and provides a supportive backdrop adding critical knowledge and understanding of situations so that the mentee to see the big picture and longer term implications prior to taking any action. Honest in feedback: provides necessary feedback, which allows the mentee to know what she/he is doing well and what areas can be further developed for success. Understands boundaries: is able to set limits with the mentee and also understand that the mentor’s role is to share knowledge and information impartially in ways that can be useful to the mentee as the business leader develops in his/her own way forward. Balanced in perspective: Rae brings a realistic viewpoint in discussions with mentees, looking at issues from the business perspective as well as the mentee’s and is also aware of his/her own blind spots. Rae brings a structured approach to the relationship yet is accessible and flexible, meeting mentees when and where it is most suitable. This ability to read a situation and address challenges within a framework brings clarity to the mentoring and sets a tone for the confidential one to one discussions that boosts the belief, confidence and energies of mentees. Rae often keeps in touch to provide a quiet reassurance that in many cases has preempted an emerging need. Such insight is invaluable to enterprising individuals. One of Rae’s keys to success is to get to know the person then see how best to proceed in mentoring. She often uses a form of life stages planning framework. In asking the right questions in the right way, Rae gets a response that can reveal a change in thinking or the release of the answer that was always there but never had the space to be expressed. Rae provides that vital secure space and thinking time. Rae also recognises that she learns so much from every relationship and never underestimates the unique challenges within every business scenario – she often says that running a business is a lonely place despite success and mentoring can provide a confidence boost that will project the business forward with renewed determination and belief. Rae sets the tone for a productive mentoring relationship. This is done with a personal commitment, honesty, integrity and gentle determination to make a positive difference. The positive impact she makes to the lives and careers of those around her has been evident in many mentoring relationships. Feedback shows the respect of mentees and the appreciation for Rae going the extra

mile – to meet when and where they need, to follow up and make connections without asking, to ask the searching questions in sensitive areas without undermining confidence yet producing the right response to move forward. Rae is a highly successful and experienced business woman who is using her achievements, experience and profile to mentor others and help more people, especially women, to excel in their business, careers and life. Rae has been a woman on a quiet mission since starting mentoring in the Lloyds Banking Group and has created an infrastructure and an inspiring example within the Group that fosters the progression of her staff, whilst also devoting her time voluntarily to mentorship and business growth. She is always open to mentoring and helping others and always consistent in her delivery and positive style. Her experience, technical knowledge and network of contacts is applied without being asked almost imperceptively to inform the mentoring relationship without guiding answers. She updates her knowledge and brings the right questioning and honest broker attitude that leads to solutions from the mentee. Rae pursues the progress with agreed actions and brings all her experience and knowledge to the table as well as introducing innovative ideas from other walks of life. By bringing a different approach and narratives from other enterprise and leadership situations, the mentoring relationship is enriched and becomes more relaxed and productive. This appears effortless but is built around continuous self-improvement from Rae and continuous research and an innate curiosity. This inspires others to go the extra mile and make the most of the mentoring experience. Rae searches for new information, sources and tools that can assist mentees. She is inspiring to mentees and enables them to realise their enterprise potential faster and more responsibly than might otherwise be the case.

Business Case Study VABS Limited – Rae was Mentor to the owner of the business and assisted to transform the performance and growth prospects during the year long mentoring relationship. The business was developing strong range of clients with immediate opportunities for fast growth. This placed the business at a crossroads with a number of decisions to be made. Sharing information on this naturally produced a range of business topics that were covered during the mentoring relationship. This including business growth, client acquisition, staff recruitment, staff management and creating time for personal development. These were covered during the mentoring period: n Business Growth – assessing options and identifying the most suitable business model long term;

n Acquisition – as a route for rapid expansion required careful due diligence, risk assessment and strategic consideration within a long term view of the business; n Staff Recruitment – finding the right employees assessing employment risks and learning from others on contracts, induction and legals; n Staff Management – sharing thoughts and learning around personnel management and issues surrounding recruitment and employment; n Personal Development – assisting the business leader to balance business and personal objectives, recognising the importance of making time for personal development. The mentoring process had tremendous positive effects on the business leader and on the growth of the business. The business has grown significantly, moving into new offices, creating a clearer identity and market offering, recruitment of staff and attraction of many new clients. Turnover has increased by 48% in the past year. As a mentor, Rae helped the business leader to address key questions around the business, to look ahead with a sharper focus and anticipate the changes required including effective delegation. Rae provided support and confidence as well as access to valuable knowledge and learning that helped to short-cut time to make informed decisions. It was vital in increasing the confidence for making decisions and being more ambitious about the business. It reduced the anxiety around making major decisions and allowed the business to progress faster. The business leader has moved to a changed role with greater emphasis on managing relationships, networking and planning ahead. The business leader has been full of praise for Rae and the way she mentored and nurtured the team in moving forward – facing key questions and finding their own answers with the help of Rae a trusted sounding board and a source of friendly knowledge, contacts and applicable know-how.

Rae McNicol

Business Scotland

SEPA

What are the VIBES Awards?

“Promoting positive environmental actions” The Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards are held every year to recognise and showcase best practice. The aims of the awards are to: • Promote efficient use of resources • Enhance the competiveness of businesses • Improve environmental performance • Support wider goals of sustainable development The VIBES awards are presented at a high profile ceremony at the end of the year, allowing success to be widely recognised.

The accredited awards scheme for Scotland The VIBES Awards are a partnership between a number of high profile organisations: • The Scottish Environment Protection Agency • The Scottish Government • Scottish Water • Scottish Enterprise • Highland and Islands Enterprise • Zero Waste Scotland • Energy Saving Trust • 20:20 Climate Group

Business Scotland

The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Bright Green Business and Quality Scotland.

Nine Scottish businesses were recognised as champions of business sustainability at the 17th annual Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards:

It is the backing from government and the involvement of these public sector organisations that makes VIBES unique, along with the fact that it is the only Scottish Awards scheme that is accredited by the RSA, meaning VIBES winners can be automatically entered into the prestigious European Business Awards for the Environment.

Guala Closures UK Ltd, Edinburgh Leisure, Farne Salmon and Trout Ltd, Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Veracity UK Ltd, Marlin Industries Scotland Ltd, Lothian Buses, Glenuig Inn Ltd, with commendations going to: Webhelp UK, Ross-shire Engineering Limited and Changeworks

This year six out of the 10 entries representing the UK were chosen from previous VIBES Awards winners, with CMS Window Systems going on to win the Management (medium and large) Award category at the ceremony in Estonia while Perthshire based Jessie Mac’s came runner up in the Management (micro and small) category.

Good for the environment and good for business In the current difficult economic climate, businesses that develop good environmental practices and reap the financial rewards of greater efficiencies are well places to weather the storm. The VIBES Awards welcome applications from innovative businesses that are working hard to take advantage of the opportunities that environmental best practice can offer.

The Hydro Nation Challenge (help in partnership with WaterAid) winner was Benjamin McIntosh-Michaelis, with commendations going to Brathadair, Bridge Biotechnology and Sunstore Technologies Ltd

Applications for 2017 There has been an increase in interest from businesses representing a number of different sectors, as well as those ranging from microbusinesses to very large organisations. We want to help you celebrate your success and gain the recognition that you deserve. This begins with the application process, and if you are interested and would like to attend a launch event in your area, then please register your interest at: vibes@sepa.org.uk You can find out about the categories of award, case studies of previous winners and details of the application process on the vibes website www.vibes.org.uk

SEPA

In addition we have: A mobile app – for environmental check-ups out of the office. Initially for Construction, Agriculture and Forestry we will be adding new sectors in the near future. A free monthly email update – keeping you informed of new legislation, consultations and events that could be of interest The environmental compliance selfassessment tool – designed to let businesses review their main activities and find out if they have any areas needing attention. It generates a report that is completely anonymous, and can be used for a programme of improvement. Split into 6 sections: Waste, Air, Materials and equipment, Hazardous substances and Packaging. Video clips to illustrate good practice, including Contrsuction, Agriculture and general business topics, including oil storage, reducing carbon, good practice in offices and transport.

Would you like clear guidance on environmental regulations covering topics such as Air, Waste, Water, Transport and Energy? If so you can go to Netregs for guidance that is: n Written in plain English, avoiding legal jargon n Checked over by specialists in SEPA n Free to use n Up to date n NetRegs provides guidance by Business sector, or you can search the library of topics for a specific subject.

e-learning tools to refresh your understanding of key topics – covering Duty of Care, Sinks drains and sewers, WEEE, Generating renewable energy and a general guide to preventing pollution. All these features are free to use, and available online. They are designed to help businesses comply with environmental law and to reduce their impact on the environment. NetRegs is a partnership between SEPA and the NIEA. We provide guidance on environmental regulation and good practice advice, aimed at SMEs in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Visit www.netregs.org.uk

n We keep legislation lists which outline the key pieces of legislation that businesses may be required to comply with.

Business Scotland

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We regulate to give you confidence I’ve been fortunate enough to be Chief Executive of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) for just over five years and I am very proud of the positive impact our work has had on the Scottish Third Sector since our establishment in 2006 – we are celebrating 10 years of operation this year. By David Robb For those who don’t know about us, OSCR is Scotland’s independent registrar and regulator of over 24,000 charities. We are a Non-Ministerial Department based in Dundee and employ around 50 staff. It’s not our job to make a charity’s work more difficult – I very much see the work we do as helping charities, with the ultimate aim of improving public confidence.

How to check if a charity is registered One key aspect of our work is to provide anyone the opportunity to find out whether or not they are dealing with a genuine Scottish charity by providing a register. You can access the Scottish Charity Register at www.oscr.org.uk and it lists all the charities in Scotland as well as setting out some basic financial information. This April we brought in additional transparency to the register by starting to publish large charities’ accounts.

Recent surveys It was interesting this year to study the results of surveys we commissioned on charities in Scotland. Levels of support for Scottish charities remain impressively high, with a quarter of the population volunteering and 9 out of 10 donating time, money or goods to charities. Did you know that most people support charities where they have a personal connection? The full results can be read on our website I welcome continued high levels of trust in charities and support for the work and role of the Regulator David Robb Chief Executive of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)

Our year We recently published our 2015-2016 Annual Review to show the public the level of work that goes into ensuring that charities are correctly regulated in Scotland. For example, we granted charity status to 918 new charities and handled 8000 incoming letters and emails, whilst deciding 99% of consent applications within the statutory deadline. Throughout the period, we’ve worked closely with public and charity sector bodies to help charities conduct good governance and meet legal requirements.

Business Scotland

Some highlights include: n facilitating ‘Meet the Regulator’ events for charity trustees across Scotland n continually improving online guidance to make responsibilities as clear as possible for charity trustees n registering 92% of charities to our online services - achieving efficiencies for the sector and the regulator

Changing to a more targeted regulation approach In our decade as charity regulator, we’ve built up considerable experience about the charity sector. In particular, we’ve learned that, in the main, charities do far more to build public trust and confidence in the charity sector than to undermine it. Using this knowledge, we have developed a more focused approach to charity regulation.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We are seeking to target our resources at groups and types of charities that are more likely to pose a risk to public trust and confidence in the charity sector, and reduce reporting for most types of charities in Scotland. This is a direction of travel that most regulatory organisations are on. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s an important one and I think we’re making good progress.

Fundraising regulation Scotland’s launched a new self-regulatory system of fundraising in July and set out a new complaints procedure. Any complaint will continue to be go to the charity itself however if there isn’t a resolution a new panel has been established. You can find out more information about this at www.fundraisingcomplaints.scot.

Thank You! It has been amazing to witness first hand all the great work that Scottish charities do. It is of great importance that they continue to be supported as much as possible and we are thankful to be part of a sector that does so much for so many.

Schemes that allow business to make a difference Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an increasingly important part of business life as companies seek to make an impact on their communities beyond the simple bottom line. From helping to raise money for good causes to promoting sound health, companies are playing their part in improving people’s lives. Methods of applying CSR include: Environmental efforts: Businesses regardless of size have a large carbon footprint and taking steps to reduce the footprint is good for the company and society as a whole Philanthropy: Businesses also practice social responsibility by donating to national and local charities Ethical employment practices: By treating employees fairly and ethically, companies can demonstrate their corporate social responsibility Volunteering: Attending volunteer events and encouraging staff to volunteer, including giving them paid leave to do everything from tree planting to office work for charities, says a lot about a company’s commitment to the area in which they operate. All these measures benefit society and that in itself is justification enough for supporting them but there are also

benefits for the company taking part, one of which is the boost they provide to reputation.

communities in other ways, feel better about themselves.

A company seen to be doing a lot to benefit their local communities can only go up in people’s estimation.

For a company encouraging its staff to support good causes there can only be a knock-on effect; happier employees make for more productive employees.

There is another benefit which is harder to measure. Recent research has indicated that people who volunteer, or support

All in all, Corporate Social Responsibility has much to recommend it for businesses of all types and sizes.

Business Scotland

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - SCOTTISH REFUGEE COUNCIL

Opportunities for business to support refugees in Scotland Scottish businesses are being urged to support work to help the country’s refugees settle into life in their new homes. The plea comes from the Scottish Refugee Council, whose vision is for a Scotland in which all people seeking refugee protection are welcome. Chief Executive John Wilkes said that the charity’s workload was constantly increasing due to the impact of conflicts around the world. He said: “The events of last year led to a significant increase in demand for our services. “Scenes like those from the Syrian conflict and media images of desperate families trying to make dangerous boat crossings, plus the picture of Alan Kurdi, the little boy whose body was found on the shoreline, really made people realise that there was a need to do something to help. “It is to Scotland’s credit that we reacted first when the UK government pledged to take 20,000 Syrian refugees over five years. A third of those that have already come to the UK came to Scotland. “The Scottish Government has been exemplary and most Scottish councils stepped forward, many of them in areas that have not really experienced refugees before.”

Business Scotland

Helping refugees integrate into daily life is at the heart of everything that the Scottish Refugee Council does. Created in 1985, it is an independent Scottish registered charity that works to: • Increase public empathy with refugees and campaign for an end to discrimination, racism and prejudice. • Act as an advocate for the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum and for fair and just legislation and policies. • Support refugees’ integration and inclusion. • Ensure that refugees and people seeking asylum have access to quality advice services, information and support. John Wilkes is keen for business to support their work. He said: “Like every charity, we have to raise all our money ourselves, which is a challenge. “Businesses can help us do this through sponsorship of a number of areas of our work. For instance, they could sponsor events at the annual Refugee Festival Scotland which sees a wide range of arts and culture

events staged across Scotland in June, or provide support to our Family Keywork service, supporting refugee families. “Sponsorship is not the only opportunity. They may wish to offer support in-kind, offering their skills or perhaps encouraging their staff to volunteer with us as part of Corporate Social Responsibility activities. We benefit from the voluntary work of a number of companies. “Businesses can also help refugees find employment. I think some people think of refugees as just refugees, forgetting that they are people with skills, talents and experience. A lot of the Syrian refugees are very skilled people who are keen to work. “Businesses could support them by offering work placements or work experience. “ Businesses wishing to find out more can contact the Scottish Refugee Council on +44 (0)141 223 7921.

HELP REFUGEES IN SCOTLAND HAVE A

FUTURE www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk

Find out more: t: +44 (0)141 223 7921 e: funding@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk

Do you Love Later Life?

We do. At Age Scotland we want everyone to Love Later Life and we do all that we can to help achieve this. We help support local groups and projects, which create places and activities that bring older people together. This, in turn, helps combat loneliness and isolation, and brings joy and a renewed sense of purpose into older peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives and support to others who need it most.

Find out more at www.agescotland.org.uk or contact us at fundraising@agescotland.org.uk.

Alisdair Caulfield Funding Development Manager Age Scotland Causewayside House 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR Charity No: SC010100

Later life can bring times when you need someone to listen and Age Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpline provides free information, friendship and advice through a confidential Freephone number for older people, their carers and families. We also provide opportunities for older people to challenge disadvantage and unfairness - ensuring that their ideas for a better Scotland reach the ears of those who need to hear them.

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

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

There is no cure for Bipolar Disorder… but our support transforms lives Bipolar Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for everyone living with Bipolar Disorder – friends, family, carers and people with a diagnosis.

• We maintain a helpline for people seeking advice and information on how to control this condition. • We organise support groups throughout Scotland where people can share advice, information and experience. • We challenge stigma and discrimination wherever it exists. • We offer free courses where people can learn to manage the condition. All these things improve quality of life, reduce hospital admissions and hold families together. At the moment, people with Bipolar are twelve times more likely to be unemployed than their fellow citizens… and their life expectancy is often 10-15 years shorter. These are figures we’d all like to change and - with your support we will. 2-3% of Scotland’s population (150,000 people) live with bipolar disorder so we all know someone with a diagnosis – a relative, a friend, a neighbour, a workmate. Join us to give them a fair chance of living to the full.

Contact Bipolar Scotland on 0141 560 2050 or info@ bipolarscotland.org.uk to find out more.

Bowel Help Care for Cancer Scotland’s UK Children Is your organisation looking for a new charity to support in 2017? Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity sits at the heart of Scotland’s largest children’s hospital, raising money to care for the 168,000 children who are treated there each year. The Charity funds medical equipment, research, hospital play programmes and family support services to ensure that young patients and their families have the best possible care and experience. With an engaging cause and thousands of supporters across the country, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity offers a unique and exciting charity partnership. Through their dedicated Corporate Partnerships Team, the charity will work with you to develop a bespoke fundraising and staff engagement plan to suit your business needs. As one of Scotland’s leading children’s charities, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity offers unique opportunities for staff to volunteer at the children’s hospital and in the community, a packed calendar of high profile events, networking opportunities at their quarterly Business Breakfasts and the chance for your organisation to truly make a difference to the lives of young patients treated at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. To find out more, please call William from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s Partnerships team on 0141 212 8750 or email william.mcgowan@ glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland with around 4,000 people diagnosed and 1,600 people losing their life to the disease every year. Choose us as your next charity of the year and help us stop bowel cancer. We are the UK’s leading bowel cancer research charity. We support and enable research, educate patients, public and professionals and campaign for early diagnosis and best treatment and care for all those affected. We are determined to save lives but we can’t do this without you. We build unique and lasting partnerships that are mutually beneficial, helping to meet your goals and engage your team. If you choose to partner with us, your company will not only receive a wide range of benefits, you will be playing a vital role in helping to stop bowel cancer. We will promote the partnership on our website and through our social media networks and will provide you with a dedicated account manager. We can also offer you engaging health and well-being talks to educate your staff about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. For further information please contact Emma Macleod on: 0131 225 5333 emma.macleod@gbowelcanceruk.org.uk

Business Scotland

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

One little reason One little reason why your company why your company should should help help Down’s Down’s Syndrome Scotland Syndrome Scotland Help future Helpus uscreate create aa brighter brighter future for children born today with for children born today with Down’s Down’ssyndrome. syndrome. Your can help help Yourcorporate corporate support support can ususensure with Down’s Down’s ensurethat that people people with syndromerealise realise their their full syndrome full potential. potential. findout outhow how your your company company ToTofind can help change a life can help change a life contact contactour our Fundraising Manager Kerry Fundraising Manager Kerry Lindsay Lindsay on0131 0131442 4428840. 8840. on

helping people realise their potential

helping people realise their potential www.dsscotland.org.uk www.dsscotland.org.uk A Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland No. 356717, Charity No. SC011012

A Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland No. 356717, Charity No. SC011012

Help Care for Scotland’s Children

Could we be your next Charity of the Year? Get in touch to find out how your organisation can help to support the 168,000 children treated each year at Scotland’s largest children’s hospital.

FIND OUT MORE Call William from our Corporate Partnerships Team on 0141 212 8750 or email william.mcgowan@glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org

1100_GCHC_Business_Scotland Ad.indd 1

Business Scotland

03/11/2016 14:20

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

Macmillan relies on voluntary donations for 99% of the funds used to provide its vital services. We need the help of businesses in Scotland so that we can be here for more people in Scotland who desperately need our support now and in the future

Team Building

Successful charity partnerships To help make our partnerships a success we allocate an Account Manager to work closely with our partners. They will help with ideas for both volunteering and fundraising, share best practice and give support and guidance throughout the partnership. We have a full range of ways of working in partnership including cause related marketing opportunities and great ideas for engaging employees, customers and suppliers – from social events like “Turn up in Tartan” to daredevil abseils and zipslides and physical challenges across Scotland and around the world. For many businesses, supporting charity is a fundamental part of achieving their Corporate Social Responsibility objectives. Whether it’s engaging employees to build teams, motivate and drive loyalty, driving key business indicators like footfall and sales or demonstrating to stakeholders that as a business you are helping those less fortunate there is so much which can be achieved by the business … and all for a good cause. If your business is considering which charity to support for 2017 then please get in touch with the team at Macmillan Cancer Support. We’d be delighted to have an initial conversation with you to find out more about what’s important to you in choosing your charity, the types of activities your employees like to get involved in and to let you know about how we’re helping local people close to where your business is based.

A cause that resonates

We can help you support your employees too. Whether that’s cancer awareness posters and leaflets for Healthy and Wellbeing initiatives or our range of Macmillan at Work resources designed to help when someone at work has cancer. To find out more about how your business can help ensure that no one in Scotland faces cancer alone contact: Aileen Stewart, Corporate New Business Manager, Scotland Tel: 07801 307096 Email: astewart@macmillan.org.uk

Organised in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.

There are over 220,000 people in Scotland living with cancer now. Every day another 82 people hear the devastating news “you have cancer”. This will bring the total number of people living with cancer in Scotland to 360,000 by 2030. A cancer diagnosis turns lives upside down – for the person with cancer and also their family and friends. Macmillan’s vision is to support all of those people whatever their age, location or cancer type.

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Business Scotland

CHAMBER NEWS

Peterhead partnership shows strength of working together Peterhead port has played a key role in the oil and gas industry since exploration first began and it is now preparing to capitalise on the next phase by combining the expertise of all those whose livelihoods depend on it. The Peterhead Energy Hub is a partnership initiated by Peterhead Port Authority and ASCO, and its aim is to build on the port’s success in the oil and gas industry and become recognised as a centre of excellence for the renewable energy, decommissioning and subsea industries. ASCO’s investment in the port in 1973 developed the North Sea’s first dedicated oil service base. Exploration, construction and production teams worked from the port with major infrastructure being built, shipped and commissioned from Peterhead. As the leading logistics centre for offshore support to the Central and Northern North Sea and Atlantic Margin, Peterhead, with its deepwater facilities, has played an important role in support of the subsea sector. Success over the past 40 years has been achieved through a combination of the right infrastructure and the safe and effective material handling and logistics skills to ensure an efficient service.

berthing for the new generation of larger subsea support and construction vessels as well as other sectors. A £50million redevelopment plan has just been given the go-ahead having received £5million of European Union and Scottish Government funding. The biggest development in modern times will mean the inner harbours will be deepened and a bigger fish market will be created. Stephen Paterson, deputy chief executive and chief financial officer of the Port Authority, said: “The Energy Hub was established because there was a recognition we could do more to promote Peterhead as a base for servicing three particular sectors – subsea, offshore renewables and decommissioning work. “When the offshore renewables sector was starting to emerge a few years back, there was no end of exhibitions, conferences and meetings to attend just to understand what the industry was requiring, to get your name out amongst the supply chain and to gather market intelligence. “The concept of Peterhead Energy Hub was to share that burden and the information that we picked up. “In some ways it was a joint marketing effort because it allowed us to attend exhibitions and conferences and seminars without everybody heading to every one.

The Hub was formed around the same time as a £32million investment in additional quayside at Peterhead was completed in 2010.

“It was obviously better to share that information but also to build up an experience and expertise in the sector which each one of us couldn’t have done individually but together we could jointly bring together strengths to target sectors.”

Smith Quay provides sheltered, deepwater

He said that the port authority has access

to the quayside but doesn’t provide services and facilities for clients. “We tried to bring together a range of leading companies in Peterhead which were already well-known and established in the oil and gas sector but looking actively at how they could develop into other areas.” Mike Ramsay, general manager of ASCO Peterhead said: “Peterhead provides ASCO with a prime headland location for servicing the North Sea oil and gas industry. “The area is constantly expanding its offering and is ideally placed to address the current and future requirements of the industry. “The Energy Hub collaboration provides valuable promotion of what Peterhead has to offer.” The Hub now has established links with NorSea Group, Dales Engineering, JBS Group, Surelift, Score and Maritime Developments along with Energetica, Aberdeenshire Council, North East Scotland College and Robert Gordon’s University. “The Hub has been a great success which is why we continue to invest time and money in it. “I think all members recognise the benefits we get from sharing information and from jointly trying to promote the area and it has helped to raise the awareness of the skill set available locally in our supply chain. “We recently held a successful exhibition looking at opportunities locally in the three sectors we are targeting and particularly tried to promote the port to decision-makers in the Aberdeen area and to get some of their senior management up here to see what Peterhead can offer. “There is nothing better than standing in the middle of the port and seeing it for yourself rather than thinking it 30 miles up the road. “I believe Aberdeen and Peterhead complement each other. “If one port is busy, we are all busy and that also applies to Invergordon, Montrose and Dundee, as well as Aberdeen. “We are all in some ways after and competing for the same business but we can also grow the share of that sector that is attracted to the North-east of Scotland because we are still losing activity to Norway and north-east England.

L-R: Paul Datson of Boskalis, Mr Ian Laidlaw Chief Executive of Peterhead Port Authority and Gareth Brennan of McLaughlin & Harvey.

Business Scotland

“You read an awful lot of reports which suggest a disproportionate share of decommissioning work from the UK sector of the North Sea is heading in the wrong direction. “We are very keen to try and establish as much expertise as possible and whether that is in Aberdeen or Peterhead we will both gain from that.”

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Business Scotland

CHAMBER NEWS

Case study: Surelift UK Surelift UK Ltd is a Peterhead-based company specialising in lifting, inspection, certification and nondestructive testing. In April 2016, it merged with its sister company Plant Shifters to expand the range of services to include specialist movement of machinery and equipment. Surelift operates across many industry sectors from oil and gas, decommissioning, renewables, maritime and pharmaceutical to food and drink with operating centres in Peterhead and Aberdeen. Steve McDonald, owner and director at Surelift said: “Surelift joined Peterhead Energy Hub in April 2015 and one of the main benefits of being a member has been the open and collaborative approach to promote and attract business to Peterhead.

ability to act with a clear concise service offering to customers who are currently operating from Peterhead, or considering using Peterhead for their business activities.

services available in Peterhead.

“Many of the members of the Peterhead Energy Hub are both customers and suppliers of Surelift, which further cements our working relationships and

“During the various meetings of the group, it was apparent that the potential customers would benefit largely from a wider understanding of the range of

“It broadens the opportunities for all members, and provides customers with a much wider knowledge of services available from one location.”

“Marketing all of our services and promoting our businesses through the Peterhead Energy Hub has been a fantastic success.

Peterhead Port In particular, access will be improved to the proposed a new and upgraded fish market in the North Harbour.

Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) has awarded the contract for the Inner Harbour Redevelopment Project worth more than £30million to a joint venture partnership between civil engineering contractor, McLaughlin & Harvey and dredging contractor, Boskalis Westminster. The £50million Inner Harbour Redevelopment Project is part of the largest development in the history of the port. It has been supported by a £5million grant from the European Maritime Fisheries Fund and the Scottish Government and a commercial loan from Santander UK plc. PPA chief executive Ian Laidlaw said that the award of the contract was a sign of the confidence that Peterhead Port Authority had in the future of Peterhead as a major player in the fishing, oil and gas and decommissioning industries as well as the port being an important strategic asset to the economy of the North-east of Scotland. He added that the announcement of the

Business Scotland

The increased capacity and improved facilities at the new market will capitalise on the recent record landings and strong prices seen in recent months.

project was the culmination of three years of detailed planning and design work. The project involves the strengthening and deepening of the inner harbours, land reclamation with revetment, widening of the harbour entrance and demolition works. Works already completed in readiness for the harbour deepening have included demolition of the old Greenhill Fish Market and upgrading of electrical, gas and water services throughout the Port. As well as creating deep water access to the inner harbours, realignment of key structures will improve access to the inner harbours to facilitate larger and deeper drafted vessels.

All of the dredged material from deepening of the harbours will be used to create a 25,000m2 reclamation area for future development. While maximising the use of existing resources, this also achieves the most environmentally beneficial use of the dredged material. The Harbour Redevelopment Project will be completed in 18 months and has been structured to allow the port to continue to operate without disruption. It will create more than 100 full time jobs with a number of local companies and businesses being involved in the project. In addition, a significant proportion of the materials used in the project will be sourced locally.

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CHAMBER NEWS

BDF recognises CGI’s Steve Thorn with Executive Disability Champion Award London, UK: Steve Thorn of CGI won the Executive Disability Champion Award at Business Disability Forum (BDF)’s 2016 Disability-smart Awards on 9 November. These awards celebrate the work of organisations and individuals that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to employing, working with and doing business with disabled people. Steve has been recognised for his passionate leadership of a range of disability initiatives within IT services company CGI, a role he balances with his day job as a President of CGI’s UK operations. Steve has led the promotion, renewal and revitalisation of CGI’s UK Capability programme and Capability Network, two schemes which enable employees to mentor and support each other throughout the company. He also chairs CGI’s Disability Working Group, which explores ways of embedding

BDF’s world-renowned Disability Standard into the day-to-day running of the business.

have experienced some very encouraging progress at CGI.

Steve was instrumental in persuading CGI to sign up to BDF’s Technology Charter, cementing the organisation’s commitment to good practice around IT and accessibility. He has also driven efforts to refine processes relating to workplace adjustments, recruitment, communications and procurement to make these functions disability-smart.

“This award will redouble my determination to create a workplace culture that is truly disability-smart.”

Steve has said his approach has always been to encourage members and senior colleagues to share their challenges and also to equip colleagues with initial training and support to be able to help others experiencing difficulties.

“He has very effectively turned his hand to building robust networks, structures and processes which put disability first.”

Speaking about his award, Steve said: “It is an absolute privilege to be recognised by Business Disability Forum. I am passionate about widening the discourse around disability and accessibility and we

David Goodchild, Joint Interim CEO of BDF, said: “Steve has shown incredible energy and drive in promoting the disability cause across CGI. As a senior figure in the organisation he has led by example and driven efforts to fully embed accessibility at CGI.

Debbie Alder, HR Director General at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), was also highly commended by BDF for her work in championing disability and accessibility at her organisation.

Upside and downside to online virtual currency to Scots senior technologist Peter Ferry, cofounder and commercial director of start-up Wallet Services out of Edinburgh’s CodeBase creative hub.

is driven by a dawning realisation amongst techies, entrepreneurs and corporations that it might just have the same profound impact on business and society.

By now you’re probably aware of Bitcoin either first hand or from the media, and to be expected there’s an upside and downside to the online virtual currency phenomenon. This is understandable given human nature that freely and incessantly “expresses” itself via the internet.

BlockChain is a new class of software program that represents Bitcoin’s underlying technology enabling us to transfer and track assets - including Bitcoin virtual currency - across open unsecure networks: “We’re talking of anything represented digitally like music, a passport, real estate ownership, even a social benefit application.”

Industry pundits reckon there exist a few thousand BlockChain developers in the world today and he admits that the BlockChain concept is not easy to grasp. Ferry’s enterprise is based on building an ambitious software platform he promises will bring innovation to the marketplace.

The good news is that Gartner analysts’ view of the cryptocurrency has now moved beyond what it describes as the “hype cycle” that practically all technology appears to go through. Also, over 400 European banks are joining major retailers by directly allowing Bitcoin purchases.

BlockChains prove ownership, actions and contracts as a public record. Their talent is to enable co-operation without the middleman - ie intermediaries like Facebook, AirBnB and countless others who share our personal and transactional details with other organisations.

So, gradually, Bitcoin adopters are jumping on board what is a still relatively new money source and service via the net - launched in the wake of, and in response to, the 2008 global financial crisis and failing capital markets.

The system improves transparency by recording transactions as an unchangeable public record that you cannot subvert or disprove. It also provides control over this data and its use staying with the end user.

Bill Magee

Journalist & Technology Writer

However, negative connotations persist through illegal Bitcoin activity thriving on the internet’s dark (web) side with the latest report of a £12 million theft of the cyber currency not helping matters.

So why bother with Bitcoin? One answer is due to BlockChain. according

Business Scotland

“This is unlike the market-maker centralised date-collecting business models existing within governments and banks since the dawn of civilisation, and continued with the advent of the dot-com boom.” BlockChain technology is in its infancy, in the same way that the World Wide Web was in 1995, and Ferry claims current excitement

“We’re in an advanced stage of developing a software toolkit that enables mortal developers and business analysts to rapidly model and build BlockChain capabilities into their own apps to simultaneously reduce risk and investment for companies and governments.” The Scottish Government appears to agree: it has awarded the start-up a contract to investigate use of Civic BlockChain for inter-government agency and citizen interaction. Ferry and his two co-founding directors represent seasoned Microsoft Corporation alumni plus an executive who has successfully sold-on tech startups. They’re committed to building a global business placing Scotland at the forefront of the BlockChain revolution to enable economic and social benefit through BlockChain approaches and Ferry and his colleagues are busy travelling the country to explain out its virtues.

BUSINESS

MENTORING

Our Business Mentoring service can help you realise your business growth ambitions. To find out more about our free service, email mentoring@scottishchambers.org.uk or call us on 0845 609 6622. www.scottish-enterprise.com/mentor

SCC BUSINESS PARTNER

How to improve 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. 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. 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. But what specifically can your company do to maximise the potential of your workforce? Here are a few initial suggestions:

Hire effectively 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.

Business Scotland

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 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.

Embrace remote working 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.

Use mobile technology 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.

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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 - Graeme McKinstry 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

Business Scotland

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 Chief Executive - Damon Scott 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 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 Chief Executive – Michelle McKearnon Chairman – Justin Grace 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 Senior Executive Office Commerce Margaret Moran 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 448 325 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Audrey Cumberford

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Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce Academy House, Shedden Park Road Kelso, TD5 7AL T: 07771 865 758 E: communications@borderschamber.com www.borderschamber.com Convenor - Jack Clark Vice Convenor - Bruce Simpson West Lothian Chamber of Commerce Alba Centre, Alba Business Park Rosebank, Livingston, EH54 7EG T: 01506 414808 E: chamber@wlchamber.com www.wlchamber.com Chief Executive Linda Scott President Billy MacLeod

Advertising John Neilson Commercial Director Telephone 07813 874970 john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk This publication is also available as an ebook at: www.issuu.com/distinctivepublishing

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Distinctive Publishing or Scottish Chambers of Commerce cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

Business Scotland

CHAMBER NEWS

Survey Shows Majority of UK Millennials Turn on their Favorite Brands - for Surprising Reasons 55% of 18-34 year olds changed brands in the last year but surprisingly, major factors in disloyalty occur behind the scenes in operations and supply chain. A new survey conducted by research company YouGov and supply chain commerce cloud provider GT Nexus, an Infor Company, confirms a lack of brand loyalty among 18-34 year-olds while uncovering surprising factors that drive brand disloyalty. According to the survey, 55 percent of UK Millennials admit to having switched one of their favorite brands in the last 12 months. The startling findings however, are the factors that spur Millennials to turn on their favorite brands: product quality, availability issues, working conditions and sustainability. All of the major disloyalty factors identified fall into the “behind-the-scenes” domains of operations, logistics and supply chain management. Contrary to popular belief, consumer-facing marketing factors, such as a brand’s social media presence, mobile apps or a cool website, don’t have a big impact on Millennials’ brand loyalty. “It’s no surprise to see a high percent of this demographic shifting brand loyalty frequently“, said Guy Courtin, Vice President of Industry and Solutions Strategy at GT Nexus. “But when we think of millennials we think of their attention being drawn to cool, edgy and flashy. These survey results paint a different picture. This describes a demographic that’s more concerned with what goes on behind the scenes of a brand, how they produce goods or operate, opposed to being drawn to flash and sizzle such as apps and website.“

Product quality and availability are top concerns of millennials UK Millennials put a premium on product quality and availability. Respondents cite quality problems (41 percent) and issues with product availability (41 percent) as the two biggest reasons for switching from one of their favorite brands to another. On product quality, Courtin commented, “A number of recent high-profile product recalls have shown us how quickly quality issues can damage the reputation of a brand. But it’s alarming to see how readily Millennials turn on their favorite brands if the product isn’t on the shelf or available for delivery. This shows that the brand loyalty of Millennials lies heavily on the shoulders of the logistics and supply chain departments.”

Business Scotland

Fair treatment of workers and the environment matter UK Millennials care about how their favorite brands are made. Twenty-eight percent of respondents would turn on a brand if it doesn’t treat or pay its workers fairly. Twenty-two percent would switch brands if the product isn’t environmentally friendly. “Millennials are sending a very clear message to their favorite brands here. If you don’t respect the workers creating your goods – either inside your organization or in your supply chains – we will turn on you. Same goes for the environment. Manufacturers and retailers should heed this warning and strive for fair, transparent and environmentally friendly supply chains. The apparel and footwear industry has met some challenges in this area and should be extra vigilante. Because it also happens to be a category in which millennials are most likely to switch their favorite brands, forty percent according to the survey,” Courtin stated.

Social media, mobile apps and websites are not important Millennials are often perceived as digital natives. But according to the study, social media presence, mobile apps and cool websites have comparatively little impact

on their brand loyalty. The lack of a strong social media presence (5 percent), the lack of a mobile app (4 percent) or the lack of a cool website (3 percent) don’t compel Millennials to turn on their favorite brands. “In recent years, manufacturers and retailers have paid a lot of attention to consumer-facing marketing factors like websites, apps and social media to attract and keep Millennials loyal to their brands,” added Courtin. “But this research suggests that ‘behind-the-scenes’ actions that occur in operations, production and supply chain – which directly impact product availability, quality, ethics and the environment – are a lot more important when it comes to influencing the brand loyalty of Millennials.”

Investing in the right places “Companies are investing significantly in technology, but this begs the question if they’re spending in the right places,” said Courtin. “Most enterprise systems and supply chain technology investments still come up woefully short when it comes to helping companies orchestrate how they buy, make, ship and deliver their products. It’s no longer a matter of just reducing costs. Supply chain excellence ties directly to the health of the brand.”

THE GAELIC GAELIC

IN COLLEGE COLLEGE

SCOTLAND SCOTLAND

LEARN GAELIC GAELIC

CÙRSAICHEAN CÙRSAICHEAN AIR AIRASTAR ASTAR Faigh airson a a Faigh barrachd barrachd fiosrachaidh fiosrachaidhair aira’a’phrògram phrògramionnsachaidh ionnsachaidhairairastar astaragainn againn airson h-uile Gàidhlig a neartachadh. h-uile duine duine aatha thaag agiarraidh iarraidhGàidhlig Gàidhligionnsachadh ionnsachadhnonoanancuid cuid Gàidhlig a neartachadh. Tha iomadh latha tòiseachaidh is clàr-ama againn agus bith na cùrsaichean againn gad Tha iomadh latha tòiseachaidh is clàr-ama againn agus bith na cùrsaichean againn gad fhàgail nas fhileanta sa chànan agus a’ leigeil leat a’ dhol air adhart gu ìre ceum oilthigh fhàgail nas fhileanta sa chànan agus a’ leigeil leat a’ dhol air adhart gu ìre ceum oilthigh tro tro mheadhan mheadhan na naGàidhlig. Gàidhlig. Find out more about our supported distance learning programme for anyone wishing Find out more about our supported distance learning programme for anyone wishing to learn or improve their Gaelic. With various entry dates and timetables to suit your to learn or improve their Gaelic. With various entry dates and timetables to suit your needs our courses are designed to enable you to become fluent in the language. ProneedsFind our out courses are designed to enable distance you to become fluent in the language. Promorelevel about ourthrough supported for gression toout degree study the medium oflearning Gaelic isprogramme also available. Find more about our supported distance learning programme for gression to degree level study through the medium of Gaelic is also available.

WWW.SMO.UHI.AC.UK astar@smo.uhi.ac.uk 01471 888449 WWW.SMO.UHI.AC.UK astar@smo.uhi.ac.uk 01471 888449

Ferguson Marine. Building ships and long term futures.

Working with a winning formula, Ferguson Marine is now running four apprenticeship disciplines: Technical, Engineering, Fabrication and Electrician January 2017 will see our 2016 apprentices join us on the yard, working 2 days onsite with their apprentice colleagues (team 2015) and 3 days at college, giving them: a head start to their careers; hands-on experience whilst working alongside our very experienced workforce; and the opportunity of wider learning in a 12 month rotation programme across all disciplines. Next year will see the Ferguson Marine apprentice team grow again, with recruitment commencing in March and we are now out on the road promoting our work, attracting the best of candidate and raising awareness of female apprenticeships.

2017 Recruitment launches March

Bees Knees awards A 2106 winner Excellence in Skills and Learning

Newark Works | Castle Road | Port Glasgow | PA14 5NG www.fergusonmarine.com