Business Scotland 16

BusinessScotland Scottish Chambers of Commerce Magazine

SUMMER2019

Solheim delivers new era for golf in Scotland Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Malcolm Roughead OBE Chief Executive, VisitScotland

Liz Cameron OBE

Director & Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Steve Dunlop

Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise

“Despite many wonderful venues and locations, never have I had so many wonderful thank you’s from my guests as I did this year. I cannot thank nor recommend the spectacular resort that is Trump Turnberry and their committed and passionate team enough.

The dedicated and efficient event organisers not only took the time; which we simply didn’t have, to pick up and implement every tiny detail, but they also went out of their way to add that little touch of Turnberry sparkle to our event.

To the operational staff front of

house who delivered an event beyond my expectations and more importantly, one that my guests thoroughly enjoyed; so much so have requested the event stays at Trump Turnberry from now on.

Thank you to the many people behind the scenes as well as those front of house who would have done well to arrange and deliver an event like mine on any normal day but to pull it off with such spectacular style and success in such a short time frame is nothing short of spectacular.”

Liz Smith Staben The IFX Rose & Thistle Trophy

Secure your 2020 events with bed and breakfast rates from £170 and 24 hours rates from only £249 per person for bookings made before the 31 August 2019.

Speak to Gillian and her team today to organise your next trip to Turnberry.

E V E N T S W I T H A D I F F E R E N C E AT

T R U M P T U R N B E R RY M E E T I N G S | E V E N TS | D I N N E R S | T E A M B U I L D I N G | E XC LU S I V E U S E C O N TA C T O U R T E A M

Call: 01655 333 996

Email: events@trumpturnberry.com

W W W.T R U M P H OT E L S .C O M / T U R N B E R RY

BusinessScotland

CONTENTS

SUMMER 2019

5

14

87

40 10 16

24 34

96 SCOTLAND’S YEAR OF COASTS AND WATERS

36

NEW DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCED

46

CHAMBER NETWORK TRADE MISSION SHOWS THAT SCOTLAND IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS SCOTTISH CHAMBERS TAKE MENTORING TO THE NEXT STEP

72 73

SCOTTISH BUSINESSES FACING UPHILL CHALLENGES

76

CHAMBER MEMBERS COLLABORATE TO SHOW SCOTLAND OFF WORLDWIDE

88

BUILDING SCOTLAND’S FUTURE TODAY EDINBURGH CHAMBER SETS OUT INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Business Partners

Front Cover Image:

96 102

YOUNG PEOPLE REAP THE BENEFITS OF CALMAC’S NEW COMMUNITY FUND CONFIDENCE AND INVESTMENT ON THE RISE IN OIL AND GAS SECTOR AYRSHIRE’S ‘FUTURE CHAMBER 2019’ TAKES OFF FROM CAITHNESS TO THE WORLD

TO LET

UNITS AVAILABLE FROM 162 SQ FT - 59,191 SQ FT

INDUSTRIAL , OFFICE & YARD SPACE AVAILABLE IN MOTHERWELL, BELLSHILL, COWDENBEATH AND GLENROTHES

27,809 SQ FT WITH CRANAGE

847 - 27,000 SQ FT

REEMA ROAD, BELLSHILL

FLEMINGTON INDUSTRIAL PARK, MOTHERWELL

3,234 SQ FT

162 - 59,191 SQ FT

CRAIG MITCHELL HOUSE, GLENROTHES

IN-SITEPROPERTY.COM All enquiries, please contact Alex Boyle

01937 849 259

ajb@in-siteproperty.com

THISTLE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, COWDENBEATH

FOREWORD

Scotland shows our wares to the World Our place on the international stage is under the spotlight in this issue of Business Scotland.

As we approach yet another deadline for leaving the European Union with very little clarity, this focus is more important than ever. How and where we trade has not been more uncertain for centuries, since Scotland unsuccessfully attempted to set up a Central American colony in the late 1600s, a move that caused significant financial turmoil. Of course, the main difference between now and then is the sheer breadth and strength of the Scottish economy – highlighted in several of the stories that are featured in this magazine.

We start with our main feature on how the story of Scotland attracts visitors – both tourists and lucrative business meeting and conference activity alike. People around the globe are fascinated by compelling historic fictions like Outlander which has galvanised so many Scottish locations as visitor attractions. You might even remember some of the early examples of how we marketed Scotland, mentioned by Malcolm Roughead, CEO of VisitScotland – when we had Larry Hagman of Dallas fame talking about the quality of our tartan and tweed, or golfing legend Jack Nicklaus reminding the world where the sport was born.

Tim Allan

President, Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Whether people are coming to visit or buying our products and services, the principle is the same – there is a huge appetite out there for Scotland. This is evident

in Caithness where our featured article highlights how members of the chamber there are serving shellfish, beer and whisky – as well as the engineering used to produce them to new markets. Likewise, a recipe for what makes businesses in Scotland so resilient is showcased in a feature on Associated Seafoods, a key member of Moray Chamber. Without giving too much away, the key ingredients are supportive investors, the quality of Scottish provenance and the skills of the people that have dedicated their life’s labour for generations.

It’s not just internationally that businesses are looking to help Scotland flourish – the work of organisations in the public and private sector such as Skills Development Scotland, CodeClan and CalMac is providing access and expertise for young people to make sure they play their part in making Scotland’s future workforce as skilled as possible. It is encouraging to see Scotland’s growth abroad and at home.

International business, the theme of this magazine is at the heart of the efforts being led by the Scottish Chamber network.

Enterprising Scots have been braving new worlds for centuries. Time is nigh to seek new opportunities as the UK negotiates how it will trade with the world.

Featured Stories and Contributors Malcolm Roughead OBE

Tim Allan

Carol Smith

Liz Cameron OBE

Amy McCusker

Frank Mitchell

Steve Dunlop

James Russell

Digital economy transformation

Chief Executive, VisitScotland

Director & Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise

President, Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Founder and Chief Executive, Wee Box

Director of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations, Skills Development Scotland

Founder and Chief Executive, Scottish Keepsakes

CEO, SP Energy Networks

Business Scotland

5

COVER STORY

Golden years and an even brighter future From the Development of Tourism Act 1969 to the opening of the V&A Museum, Dundee last year, Scotland has become a tourism giant since the first official Scottish Tourist Board was formed half a century ago.

Business Scotland

6

COVER STORY

By Malcolm Roughead OBE Chief Executive, VisitScotland

This year VisitScotland is celebrating 50 years of working with the Scottish tourism industry and its rise to one of Scotland’s most important sectors of the economy.

Over the last five decades tourism’s value has gone from an estimated £100 million a year (£1.6 billion in today’s money) to £11.3 billion and from employing 58,300 people in 1969 to 206,000 people today.

And 50 years ago, there were 5.12 million people visiting Scotland compared to 15 million today.

Tourism is a major success story for Scotland. It benefits communities across the country and there’s capacity to continue to grow the sector in a sustainable way in the coming years, capitalising on Scotland’s credentials as a world leading destination.

This year’s anniversary is highly likely to cause an outbreak of nostalgia amongst some. For example, if you were there, who could forget the 80s colourful “Scotland’s For Me” campaign. Launched to the world, this marked the national tourism organisation’s largest marketing movement ever and featured a peppy theme song with an eye-catching rainbow logo along with the top celebrities of the day popping up in their TV adverts.

Dallas actor Larry Hagman endorsed Scotland’s “finest tweeds and tartans”, golf legend Jack Nicklaus championed the Home of Golf and comedian Rod Hull, along with his trusty pet companion Emu, were heading “over the rainbow” for a holiday in Scotland.

This was one of many key moments in the evolution of marketing Scotland to new audiences around the world.

The team working up these ideas were at the cutting edge of promotion, reaching an ever expanding audience with a mix of celebrity and humour, and these campaigns were innovative, setting the benchmark that other tourism organisations around the world had to measure up to.

Identifying and harnessing trends in marketing, combining them with visitor

behaviour and working hard to capitalise on them – this has been the key to the success of tourism in Scotland.

One of those trends is screen tourism. Film and TV productions not only showcase the unique mix of stunning landscapes, rich heritage and fascinating stories Scotland offers, but can inspire set-jetting fans to visit.

In fact VisitScotland research shows that one in five visitors come here after seeing Scotland on the big and small screen.

VisitScotland works with film and TV production companies to maximize the potential of each and every film and TV series filmed in and featuring Scotland.

Outlander is perhaps the best known of these right now – a major global phenomenon which has caused visitor numbers to sites associated with the series to spike and Outlander tours to be created for devotees of Diana Gabaldon’s novels and the TV series.

Add recent historical dramas Outlaw King and Mary Queen of Scots to this and the stage is set for this trend to go from strength to strength.

Spotting trends is a vital element of successful tourism campaigns and earlier this year VisitScotland dedicated its annual trends paper to examining the ‘global consumer phenomena’ of wellness tourism, highlighting a range of micro-trends that

can help visitors enhance and maintain their personal wellbeing.

Valued globally at $639bn in 2017, wellness tourism has grown more than twice as fast as tourism overall with more and more visitors looking for immersive experiences or ways to improve self-development.

In response we launched an itinerary dedicated to health and wellbeing. The online guide, which focuses on the themes of mind, body and spirit, aims to inspire visitors to consider ways how they can enhance and maintain their personal happiness and welfare.

Getting ahead has always been the mantra for tourism in Scotland and through EventScotland Scotland has been bidding for and securing major events for the last 16 years. Established to support the development and growth of a burgeoning and world reknowned events sector, the team has ensured Scotland has become a world leader in major events.

Always closely aligned with VisitScotland, EventScotland became fully integrated within the National Tourism Organisation in April 2007, ensuring the country maximises the opportunities presented through event tourism. And success has grown over the years demonstrated by this year’s staging of the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles and the recent award to stage the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships in August 2023.

Scotland is a destination people want to discover and that they want to explore more of. Our campaigns and partnerships with the industry, with airlines and in more recent years with digital companies like Google and TripAdvisor have made it possible for visitors to be inspired by and to travel to Scotland.

Business Scotland

7

COVER STORY

There’s always been a sense of real ambition for tourism. We had our first year of Homecoming in 2009, a success in its own right, and the celebration of Scotland in the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns provided a way forward, uniting the industry through a series of themed years.

These led into and, some were part of, the ‘Winning Years’ as we built up to 2014 and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. That year we ran our Brilliant Moments campaign and delivered another Homecoming Scotland events programme.

Scotland really showed the world what it could do and, as we said at the time, was in the spotlight as never before and we’ve never looked back.

Since then the accolades for Scotland have come in thick and fast in recent years, including “Most Beautiful Country in the World” as voted by readers of Rough Guide.

Scotland is a destination people want to discover and that they want to explore more of. Our campaigns and partnerships with the industry, with airlines and in more recent years with digital companies like Google and TripAdvisor have made it possible for visitors to be inspired by and to travel to Scotland.

The rise of social media has led to a significant change in VisitScotland’s marketing methods over the last decade.

Our campaigns that now target digital channels are a far cry from the two million brochures printed and posted out around the world 50 years ago.

The Spirit of Scotland was the first global, digital campaign giving birth to the popular #ScotSpirit hashtag in 2016, which has been shared over 250,000 times.

Business Scotland

8

This was followed by Scotland Is Now – a global movement that marked another change in marketing as VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International and Universities Scotland joined forces to create a campaign platform showcasing the country’s assets to a global audience.

Our latest activity for Europe - Scotland is Open – is our best performing campaign to date with record levels of engagement.

Launched to counter Brexit uncertainty in key markets, more than 79 million people were reached with 52 million plays of our ad and half of these were watched through to completion.

Looking to the future the possibilities are limitless.

As an industry tourism has shown itself to be imaginative, resilient and able to embrace new technology. By extending partnerships and building new connections we can keep the story of success going.

For example, Legends, VisitScotland’s first digital campaign for the Business Events market which was awarded the International Congress and Convention Association Best Marketing Award in November 2018, and achieved a silver award for digital marketing at the Adrian Awards in New York earlier this year.

Business Events are an integral element of promoting Scotland as a place to live, work, visit and invest, generating a spend at the four main conference centres in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen of £1.1 billion every year.

Through Legends we’re focusing on the things Scotland does exceptionally well including technology, life sciences,

education, energy and shouting about these strengths.

It’s also a great example of collaboration, involving over 70 organisations throughout Scotland, generating £9.4 million worth of enquiries which has converted £2 million worth of confirmed business.

There’s a huge appetite out there for Scotland amongst visitors and potential partners. We’re making new connections all the time which will benefit the visitor economy.

There’s real ambition to grow the industry and new investment in assets like the V&A Museum, Dundee, the SSE Arena and TECA – Aberdeen’s state of the art events complex, Diageo’s investment in new visitor facilities in its distilleries and the planned Johnnie Walker Whisky Centre in Edinburgh, all add to innovations like the North Coast 500, which are keeping us ahead of competitor destinations.

Our story is a shared story and everyone involved in tourism has contributed to the success we enjoy today and the successes of the future.

The UNWTO predicts international global travel to grow 3 to 4 per cent each year to 2030. As the industry works on a new strategy to take it through the next decade it is positioning itself to harness the opportunity presented by this predicted growth. www.visitscotland.com

COVER STORY

Solheim delivers new era for golf in Scotland As the renowned Home of Golf and the country that gave the game to the world, Scotland is no stranger to hosting the world’s biggest golf events.

More Open Championships have been held in Scotland than any other country, delivering the kind of marketing profile and economic impact of which other golfing destinations can only dream.

One-off extravaganzas such as The 2014 Ryder Cup have left Scotland in a far stronger position than when they arrived and the country’s annual portfolio, including both the Aberdeen Standard Investment’s men’s and ladies Scottish Opens, remains the envy of many across the world.

In 2019 the spotlight turns to The Solheim Cup as the premier event being staged in Scotland, the Home of Gold, when it is held at the world-renowned Gleneagles resort in the heart of Perth & Kinross.

While the event is expected to deliver a strong economic impact with an anticipated attendance in excess of 100,000 spectators and significant media benefit by way of its global reach of 600 million plus households, there is something markedly different about Scotland’s hosting of a world-class golf event on this occasion.

Not only does it come at a time when social and gender equality is at the top of governmental agendas, but when

momentum behind the development and promotion of women’s sport is reaching unprecedented levels.

In short, The 2019 Solheim Cup provides Scotland with a unique opportunity to lead the global charge for equality in women’s sport.

In a format which mirrors that of The Ryder Cup, the event sees the best female golfers from Europe and the US compete in a team format over three days of intense competition in front of vociferous and passionate crowds.

Led by Scottish golfing legend Catriona Matthew, the European team will be aiming to wrestle the trophy from the grasp of the American team captained by Juli Inkster, who have won it on the last two occasions.

The European team will be buoyed by history being on their side with the home team winning on each of the last two occasions the event has been hosted in Scotland – at Dalmahoy in 1992 and Loch Lomond in 2000.

As well as promoting the event to avid golf spectators, much work is also being done to enhance its appeal to a family audience with the on-course offering comprising a family zone, a golf activity zone, live music and entertainment and family-friendly parking.

To make it more accessible and affordable, tickets have been priced from just £10 for an adult ticket with children under the age of 16 being admitted free of charge.

Sponsorship and hospitality opportunities are also available for Scottish businesses looking to associate themselves with a global event on their own doorstep.

To ensure a longer-term legacy, domestically Scottish Golf and other partners are delivering programmes to encourage more women and young people into the sport while internationally, VisitScotland has taken the opportunity to launch the world’s first destination campaign targeting female visitor golfers with their #HerScotland activity.

Having introduced the modern game of golf to the world almost three centuries ago, The 2019 Solheim Cup can allow Scotland to usher in a new era for the sport – one with equality, experience and innovation at its heart.

For more information about sponsorship and hospitality packages, or to buy tickets, visit www.solheimcup2019.com

Business Scotland

9

COVER STORY

Jump in to Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 From fishing to textiles, whisky to wave power, Scotland’s waters have shaped our history, influenced our culture, our stories and our way of life.

2020 will be Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters. It’s an opportunity for everyone – businesses, communities and visitors - to dive in and experience all that Scotland’s Coasts and Waters have to offer. Success will depend on the broadest range of partners getting on board.

Across Scotland throughout 2020 there will be a programme of new and aligned events, activities and promotions that showcase our heritage and culture; natural environment and wildlife; activities and adventures and our food and drink – all the great experiences associated with our vibrant Coasts and Waters.

Themed Years are designed to provide a platform around which we can work together across the tourism sector and beyond, all pulling in the same direction to celebrate and promote our key assets within the same framework, utilising a common brand and messaging, and multiplying our individual efforts to great effect. As part of our engagement activity we have created a free online toolkit

Business Scotland

10

designed to help you think about how your business can take part in and benefit from the year.

Our 2020 year is the first to benefit from a new delivery model that sees Themed Years take place every other year allowing more time for planning, delivery and evaluation. This approach was developed in response to feedback from industry consultation which saw a ringing endorsement for the continuance of Themed Years but highlighted the need to ensure the opportunity was fully maximised.

The new model is already reaping rewards with great engagement and a real momentum and enthusiasm from the broadest range of businesses and organisations all thinking about what they can do to take advantage of the platform.

The creation of an exciting events programme is central to the Themed Years approach. Last month we revealed just a taster of the exciting new events in

plan for 2020. These included Ferry Tales a new production from National Theatre of Scotland celebrating our coastal communities; a celebration of the Dolphin and marine environment in Aberdeen from the RSPB; the return of the spectacle of Fife Regatta to our West Coast; Scotland’s Shores from the Edinburgh Film Festival – which will include a shore side outdoor film experience; an expanded Clydebuilt Festival with even more opportunities to get on the water and River of Light a new evening spectacle that invites sailors to join in the celebration at Scotland’s Boat Show.

We are inviting businesses to join our ‘partner programme’ and benefit from the broader promotions for the year.

So, if you haven’t dipped your toe in the water yet, it’s time to jump right in and see how you can immerse yourself in the opportunities around Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters. www.visitscotland.org/ycw2020

OPINION

In the face of economic gloom we must focus on our strengths

There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. This is as true now is it was when the statement was written by Sun Tzu in the fifth century BC.

By Dr Liz Cameron OBE

Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce The Chinese military strategist and philosopher has long been studied both in China and the West. It is shared experiences like these, of tradition and culture, which will continue to ensure we build on our relationships with partners in China despite increasing tensions between Beijing and Washington.

The growing strength of Scotland’s relationship with China was highlighted at an event I attended on behalf of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network in Edinburgh last month. A group of 90 high-ranking Chinese delegates from across business, finance and government met with Scottish business leaders at the SinoEuropean Entrepreneurs Summit.

The event provided a reminder, if we needed one, of the sheer scale and breadth of the opportunity for those looking to grow trade in China.

Most will have heard of the Belt and Road Initiative. This is a trillion-dollar project to build massive amounts of infrastructure connecting China to countries around the globe including ports in Pakistan, bridges in

Bangladesh and railways to Russia. The aim is to create what China calls a “modern Silk Road” trading route.

The project faces calls for increased transparency but its impact is undeniable – China is a waking giant on the global stage.

Soon the Scottish Chambers of Commerce expects to repeat the success of our trade mission last year. The mission took in Shenzhen and Shandong Province – which has a population of 100 million people – as well as the first Belt and Road Trade & Investment Forum in Beijing in 2018. This was where we signed the Memorandum of Understanding with our peers at the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) to support the expansion of trade and investment opportunities and to overcome the problems that can sometimes happen in the course of pursing international trade and economic cooperation.

Whatever you may think you know about China, it is changing dramatically as it shifts from a manufacturing powerhouse to a more complex economy based on knowledge and skills. As an analyst at Scottish fund manager Bailie Gifford recently pointed out, China’s intellectual property office received a record 1.4 million patent applications in 2017, the highest number anywhere. This is just one aspect of how the nation of 1.4billion people is set to change the world.

Whatever the outcome of current trade tensions, in the longer term all nations must respond to the pace and scale of China’s changing economy. In Scotland, we believe that companies should see for themselves what opportunities there are.

This is increasingly important too as the UK gets deeper into a mire caused by Brexit uncertainty. Trade is not something that government does, but it is something that government facilitates. We face a summer of further delay in knowing where we stand in the world. The risk of a dangerous “no-deal” Brexit becomes higher as the next deadline at the end of October hurtles towards us.

Yet even as we face gloomier economic forecasts, it is important to focus on our strengths. In Scotland, exporting is one of them.

The value of exports from Scotland soared 28% in the first quarter of the year, according to HMRC’s recent UK regional trade in goods statistics showed. This surpassed trade growth of England (9.7%), Wales (15%) and Northern Ireland (12%) which speaks of the value of our products like whisky and salmon.

We need to see more of this which is why the Scottish Chambers of Commerce is determined that our companies will succeed despite prolonged uncertainty caused by Brexit or US and China trade disputes.

Business Scotland

11

Let’s work together Do you travel often to Norway on business?

Then you may already know us. We have been a logistic partner for all industries in Aberdeen for over 17 years.

Widerøe is a Norwegian regional airline that understands the needs of businesses.

Our timetable is set-up to offer smooth and efficient travel.

We fly to 41 destinations in Norway and know the long Norwegian coastline like no one else.

We have increased our schedule from Aberdeen to Norway and are operating three daily flights between Aberdeen and Stavanger, and two daily flights between Aberdeen and Bergen.

All passengers flying between Aberdeen and Stavanger or Bergen enjoy a free in-flight meal, no cramped middle seats and a high level of service onboard.

We also offer fast track and lounge.

Welcome on board!

Widerøe – the gateway to Norway

Our name may be hard to pronounce, but flying with us is easy. wideroe.co.uk

The Norwegian airline, Widerøe, is ready for increased activity and growth in the energy sector.

For over 17 years, Widerøe, has flown passengers working within the energy sector to and from Aberdeen, Stavanger and Bergen. During this period, we experienced the oil industry’s downturn.

“The oil downturn affected us but we have kept in close touch with the sector and think of ourselves more as a partner than a supplier,” says Lise Dean, Director B2B Sales & Products at Widerøe AS. Eager for insight Widerøe will be seeking customers and contacts to discuss the latest market developments during the forthcoming Offshore Europe in Aberdeen. “It is important for us to maintain a close dialogue with customers so we can adapt our schedules to fit future demand,” explains Dean. The airline works with the energy sector all year round, as Dean explains: “We are continually active in the spheres that are important for the energy sector to fit their needs. Widerøe endeavours to be a receptive and adaptable company.”

Gateway to Norway Many of the airline’s passengers from Aberdeen will travel to key oil industry transport hubs both offshore and onshore along the Norwegian coast. Many of the small destinations are served only by Widerøe. “Many of our routes are customised to accommodate the industry’s need for flexible, efficient transport, and we are known for flying passengers as far as a plane can take them,” says Dean.

This is no minor achievement, given the harsh coastal climates in which the aircraft must sometimes operate. “We are a robust company with the right aircraft for the job, and we are used to operating in severe conditions,” she explains.

Competition between the airlines is fierce, and as a regional airline, it is crucial for Widerøe to offer sound logistical solutions.

“Our product is based on an intimate knowledge of the industry’s needs. On our routes from Aberdeen, we serve all passengers a free in-flight meal, with fast track and lounge access to all passengers on the ground, looked after by a dedicated team of staff on board.”

A new milestone in 2018 Founded in 1934, Widerøe has a proud heritage. The airline is also highly innovative, having recently added its first three jet aircraft to the fleet. The E2 is a completely new aircraft model that offers greater comfort along with less environmental impact. “We have ambitions for further growth and have acquired new, cutting edge jet aircraft of a size that suits our market segment,” explains Dean.

There are currently no plans to make E2 fly between Aberdeen and Norway, but Widerøe is flexible and open to change, as Dean explains: “If we get indications that it would be worth operating an E2 between Scotland and Norway, we would of course consider it. The oil industry is important to us.”

Meet us at Offshore Europe September 2019 at the Commercial Norwegian Pavilion, hall 2. offshore-europe.co.uk

SCOTTISH BUSINESS AWARDS

Annual Scottish Business Address 2019

Celebrating another year of Scottish business success Now in its 26th year, the much-anticipated annual Scottish Business Address will take place on Thursday 12th September 2019, bringing together leading figures in business, politics and media from all over Scotland and the UK. Viewed by many as the most prestigious business networking event on the calendar, the Annual Scottish Business Address is night not to be missed.

With past speakers including John Holland- Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport; Robert Brozin, Co-Founder of Nando’s and Dame Katherine Grainger DBE, Olympic Gold Medallist, the annual celebration has featured highly influential and inspirational chief guests over the years.

Just last year, in 2018, Nikhil Rathi, CEO London Stock Exchange Plc & Director of

Business Scotland

14

International Development delivered the keynote speech. He offered insights into global business trends while reflecting on historical links between the London Stock Exchange and Scotland , recognising the special relationship which exists between Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the UK’s premier bourse.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also attended last year to deliver her annual speech which included the announcement of an investment of £2 million into the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network

to support international trade initiatives.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network welcomed this announcement, celebrating the news with over 400 business guests who attended the glittering function.

With all key industry sectors in attendance, the event is the ultimate business dinner providing the opportunity to network with key business and political figures while showcasing the success and achievements of the Scottish Chamber Network.

SCOTTISH BUSINESS AWARDS

The Annual Business Address 2019 takes place on Thursday 12th September 2019 at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow.

Email: sdivers@ scottishchambers.org.uk to book your table or call us on 0141-444-7509

Business Scotland

15

CHAMBER NEWS

Scottish Chambers appoint new Deputy Chief Executive The Scottish Chambers of Commerce announced in April that former Head of External Relations Charandeep Singh has been promoted to the new role of Deputy Chief Executive.

Mr Singh, who has been with the Chambers for six years, said: “This is an exciting new role which I am honoured to take on. In the midst of political uncertainty and economic challenges, a strong business-led Chamber Network has never been more important. I am absolutely committed to raising the voice of business to decision makers, making sure that business communities in Scotland are thriving.”

In his new role Charandeep will focus on strategy development and implementation, raising and profiling the views of the business community to decision makers and expanding commercial opportunities for the Scottish Chamber Network.

SCC Chief Executive Liz Cameron said: “Our Network is growing and strengthening its position to promote the interests of Scottish business nationally and internationally. To achieve this growth and deliver for our

members, investing in the talent of our team is critical to the success of the Chamber Network and the business community.

She added that Charandeep “will bring his utmost dedication and entrepreneurial

zeal to supporting the growth of the Scottish business community.

This promotion is testament to his contributions, as well as the future growth ambitions of the Chamber Network”.

Influential Scottish businesswomen recognised for India links The Scottish Chambers of Commerce’s commitment to maximising connections between Scotland and the rest of the world received recognition in June, as two representatives from the organisation were named in the prestigious UK-India 100.

SCC Director and Chief Executive Dr Liz Cameron OBE and PG Paper Chief Executive Poonam Gupta OBE, also a Director at SCC, were the only Scots included on the list which highlighted leaders who enrich the relationship between UK and India.

Liz was celebrated for her role as an international trade champion who is actively working for “greater UK-India connections, ensuring that the UK engagement with India goes beyond London”. She hailed the influence of the SCC network, saying that she was “thrilled that our work is being recognised in this way” before vowing that the Chamber network won’t rest on its laurels. “This further enhances our ability to establish business- to-business relationships that are key to developing the extraordinary opportunities that exist for our exporters across India,” she said.

bilateral relationship forward amid all the Brexit uncertainties”. She said her inclusion on the list was “delightful” and that it “reflects the links I have between India and Scotland”.

Poonam was included as a prominent industry name who “continues to drive the

The recognition came as SCC is drawing together a plan to lead a trade mission

Business Scotland

16

to India later in the year. SCC has urged Scottish companies that are keen to explore business opportunities in India to get in touch with SCC for more information. The mission is part of a Scottish Government strategy to see international exports almost double from their current value of £32 billion by 2029.

Oor Wullie’s BIG Walk 10th August 2019 Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow

Designing software, building trust.

We go above and beyond to add value for our customers.

Clients put their faith in us to deliver bespoke software that empowers their teams to accomplish more, in less time.

t’s explore Le

Take on our 3k or 10k sponsored walk around Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail with your friends, family and colleagues!

Call 0141 212 8750 go to GlasgowChildrensHospitalCharity.org or visit our Fundraising Hub at the children's hospital

info@cloudstreet.co.uk www.cloudstreet.co.uk Applications that create competitive advantage.

Business Software for Windows, Web & Mobile SALES | PURCHASING | SPECIFICATION | PRODUCTS | SERVICES PRICING | QUOTES | INVOICES | STOCK CONTROL | WORKFLOW SCHEDULING | TIMESHEETS | ASSET MANAGEMENT | & MORE

Registered in Scotland as a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee.

Company No 222439. Scottish Charity Number SC007856.

Business Scotland

17

BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Customers on Virgin Trains can now bid for lastminute First Class upgrades with Seatfrog app As if train travel wasn’t comfortable and convenient enough already, Virgin Trains are now providing travellers the opportunity to make their journeys truly luxurious.

Customers on the West Coast line and across the UK can now secure a last minute upgrade and enjoy their journey in the comfort of the first class carriages as a result of Virgin’s collaboration with Seatfrog, an app which lets users take part in an auction for upgraded seats.

their smartphone, where upgrades to first class can cost as little as £10. The app is highly convenient, with a seamless and easy-to-use interface that removes any extra hassle by having no extra paperwork, ticket printing or additional fees when bidding.

From May 8th, customers have been able to bid from 24 hours right up to 30 minutes before departure with just a few taps of

This follows on from the introduction of Avocet technology at stations, part of Virgin’s commitment to make travel to and from terminals and on trains as convenient as possible.

This is a great opportunity for our customers who fancy treating themselves at the last minute.

Business Scotland

18

The Seatfrog app works by creating a live auction system for unfilled First Class seats, allowing passengers to bid against other travellers to upgrade as solo travellers or as a group. Those not wanting to wait can upgrade immediately through Seatfrog’s ‘buy it now’ option, even if they’ve booked through a third party.

Customers who successfully bid on a First Class ticket will be able to enjoy all the benefits of Virgin Trains’ First Class

experience, including complimentary food and drink, additional legroom and the First Class lounge.

Sarah Copley, Executive Director, Commercial, at Virgin Trains, said: “This is a great opportunity for our customers who fancy treating themselves at the last minute.

“This new partnership with Seatfrog is another example of our strong record in innovation – giving customers a unique chance to enjoy our First Class experience, which includes complimentary food and drink served by our amazing on board teams from our award winning menu.”

Iain Griffin, Co-Founder and CEO of Seatfrog, said: “At Seatfrog we’re all about taking people’s journey beyond the ordinary and making it something special.

“Our partnership with Virgin Trains is just the latest stop as we rapidly expand across the UK and Europe, giving more travellers the opportunity to upgrade their trip.”

Employers join forces to celebrate Reserves Day Employers from across Scotland celebrated Reserves Day on 26 June by taking part in ChamberFORCE Stretch in Dundee.

The event saw Reservists from Dundee-based 225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment, 7 SCOTS and 32 Signal Regiment, put the employers through their paces with an assault course, Airsoft Range and complex physical and mental Command Tasks.

The tasks gave participants a taste of life in the Reserves, teaching them the valuable skills of leadership, teamwork and initiative that enable Reservists to bring that something extra to their civilian employment, allowing them to live up to the saying that they are “Twice the Citizen”.

Seven teams took part from organisations including Dundee City Council, Hillcrest Housing, Helm Training, Aberdeenshire Council, and Highland RFCA (HRFCA).

Michelle McKearnon, Head of Engagement at HRFCA, said: “Events like ChamberFORCE Stretch help to raise employers’ awareness of the value of employing Reservists. The transferable skills Reservists learn in the military benefits their civilian employers enormously and, while today was also about having fun and celebrating Reserves Day, it helps people understand the added value Reservists bring to their workplaces.”

The event was part of HRFCA’s ChamberFORCE

Participants show their support for the Armed Forces. initiative, a partnership programme between selected Scottish Chambers of Commerce and local Army, Navy and RAF units, and was organised by Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber CEO Alison Henderson said: “The day was a chance for the Armed Forces to show business their best practices and give them something to learn from.

We hope to bring the event back next year and make it bigger and better and get more people involved.”

ChamberFORCE Business skills in Reserve

Above: One of the teams tackles the inflatable assault course. Below: The Dundee City Council team puzzles over a Command Task.

The HRFCA team gets to grips with a tyre task. n To find out how to get involved with ChamberFORCE, the Armed Forces Covenant, and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, contact HRFCA Regional Employer Engagement Director Jim Dickie on 01382 631026, or email hi-reed@rfca.mod.uk.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Ferguson Marine Engineering Scoops Prestigious Green Award Against International Competition Ferguson Marine Engineering (FME) were delighted to be announced as one of the winners at the highly prestigious Green Awards at the 2019 Greentech Festival in Berlin.

The firm picked up the award for ‘Innovation of the Year’ after their work on the groundbreaking project HySeas III. The festival was created following a merger between the Greentech Awards and the British Green Awards, and the three founders are green engineers Sven Kruger and Marco Voigt, and former Formula One World Champion racing driver Nico Rosberg.

These three had the aim of enthusing people to take up more sustainable lifestyles and Kruger and Voigt had already founded the Greentech Awards. With Rosberg’s vision to help green innovations, the Greentech Festival was born. FME joined former winners including Sir David Attenborough and Prince Charles, holding off respected international competition for their leading work with hydrogen propulsion.

In particular, FME plays a leading role in the HySeas III consortium, which aims to deliver the first sea-going vehicle and passenger

Business Scotland

20

ferry which will be fuelled entirely by hydrogen. It is the third and final stage of the HySeas project, which aims to demonstrate that fuel cells may be successfully integrated with a proven marine hybrid electric drive system (electric propulsion, control gear, batteries, etc), along with the associated hydrogen storage and bunkering arrangements.

Gerry Marshall, FME’s CEO, commented: “We are thrilled and immensely proud to have won this award amongst such respected nominees, who are all striving to create a more sustainable, greener world.

The ‘Green Award’ is testament to the incredibly talented workforce at FME as we continue to innovate and challenge the status quo of the marine transport industry.”

Chris Dunn, FME’s Chief Naval Architect, added: “This award recognises the exceptionally hard work of the HySeas III

team in proving there is a viable alternative to damaging marine fossil fuels.

Alongside our partners, we will continue to relentlessly chase our ambition to deliver a seagoing ferry powered by energy harvested from the wind and tide.”

Jim McColl, Clyde Blowers Capital’s CEO, remarked: “This is such an outstanding achievement considering that just over four years ago the company was brought out of administration. Over the past four years Gerry Marshall and his management team have built one of the strongest marine technology workforces in the world.

They now have a truly awesome team of marine engineers, naval architects, structural engineers and electrical engineers, who are second to none in the UK or Europe, and have been in great demand by third parties with requests for their skills both in the UK and abroad.”

Audi on demand

Book an Audi for 1-28 days.

Now available at Edinburgh Audi and Glasgow Audi.

Register at uk.audiondemand.com Edinburgh Audi

Glasgow Audi

EH11 4EJ 0131 475 4489 edinburgh@uk.audiondemand.com

G52 4UB 0141 565 6439 glasgow@uk.audiondemand.com

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

An EMS that ticks all the boxes!

An Environmental Management System (EMS) can be used in any kind of organisation to enhance its environmental performance regardless of its size, sector, legal form, geographical location, or the product or service that it provides. It can often be daunting for SMEs in particular to know where to begin.

There is, however, an EMS that has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of SMEs and offers one to one support and a phased approach to certification at the level that suits your business.

The flexibility and affordability of Scotland’s only UKAS accredited BS8555 Green Ticks Scheme offers the best option for demonstrating your company´s contribution to the protection of the environment.

Bright Green Business has been working with SMEs across Scotland for over 20 years helping them reap the many benefits that can arise from implementing an EMS, including: improving your reputation, complying with legal requirements, reducing your costs, improving process efficiency, boosting your competitiveness and saving you money!!!

“We were looking for a scheme to prove our environmental credentials and found that the Green Ticks scheme fitted the bill.

Marshalls Garden Machinery has been maximising the benefits afforded by their Phase 2 BS8555:2016 certification for over two years.

Further details about green ticks: Elaine Brown at Bright Green Business on 0131 603 5045 or elaine@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk or check out their website www.brightgreenbusiness.org.uk

Business Scotland

22

“We take our environmental impact very seriously, running the latest Eco-friendly buses, using harvested rainwater to wash our fleet amongst many other initiatives. The Green Ticks certification gives us tangible evidence of this to show to clients and local authorities and gives us future goals to aim for to gain further ticks.”

Ross Prentice, Prentice Coaches

The team at Bright Green Business were very helpful in guiding us through the paperwork and advising us on the points which required to be upgraded.”

James Marshall, Marshalls Garden Machinery

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

EPP Awards Finalists(left to right); Clément McGeown, Emma Wood, Chiara Aquino, Aoife Hutton and Constanza Moreno Sanchez.

Celebrating 25 years of Environmental Internships At the 2018 EPP awards we witnessed the highest number of applicants, doubling those for 2017. The finalists’ projects were based at The University of Edinburgh, the Scottish Government, Climate 2050 Group, North Edinburgh Arts and with Cycling Scotland at Strathclyde University.

With Climate Change becoming a hot topic (no pun intended!) it’s becoming increasingly important for businesses to raise their game when it comes to ‘greening’ their business.

Making adaptations to your business to cope with the effects that climate change can have is crucial – Businesses all across Scotland are preparing for these challenges through taking on Environmental Interns.

Bright Green Business is Scotland’s number one provider of environmental internships and in 2019 is celebrating 20 years of helping businesses and education work together.

The Internships are a fantastic way for high calibre students and graduates to take a step into the professional world while providing environmental, social and financial benefits to their host organisations. Whether it’s to comply with environmental legislation, win tenders through procurement or make cost saving efficiencies, there is no doubt that businesses can gain a competitive edge by working on their environmental sustainability.

BGB Chief Operating Officer Elaine Brown commented “we’re delighted to be celebrating 20 years of successful environmental internships. Our interns

have worked with every size of business and sector over the last 20 years and businesses have welcomed our streamlined support. We make everything simple for the business; from creating the advert, to shortlisting through to payroll.

“Each year we showcase the impact the Environmental Interns have made to Scottish businesses at our Awards Ceremony held at the Scottish Parliament. We plan to make this year bigger and better than ever to celebrate our landmark year.”

Morag Garden from Scotch Whisky Association “Participating in BGB environmental placement programme has been a very positive experience for the Scotch Whisky Association. Both the recruitment process as well as the calibre of the interns going forward to the interview was excellent.

“We are now 12 weeks into our programme and from our perspective it has been successful and delivered the outcomes we expected. We also hope the intern is also gaining a robust knowledge and experience of both the Scotch Whisky sector as well as more general environmental topics. Overall we see the intern programme as a success.”

Magdalena Demczak from the Scottish Government “Mariana has made big contributions to the work of the Public Engagement Team.

She is supporting a project where we are conducting a collaborative review of mandatory climate change reporting duties “Mariana is supporting the team by engaging with internal and external stakeholders and organising the workshops. She is documenting the findings and analysing the inputs, which will be then used to inform the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform.

“I believe that Mariana’s knowledge on climate change issues has been enhanced.

Her confidence is constantly growing and writing skills improving. She is a great addition to the team.”

If you’d like to find out how Bright Green Business and their Environmental Internship programme can help your business contact: Elaine Brown at Bright Green Business on 0131 603 5045 or elaine@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk or check out their website www.brightgreenbusiness.org.uk

Business Scotland

23

CHAMBER NEWS

Fife Chamber launches new international event programme Fife is particularly well placed to take advantage of growing international business opportunities.

Paull LLP and Colin Brown, Director at Burness Paull LLP, said: “A significant proportion of the firm’s business is already being done worldwide, and our membership of the Lex Mundi network is providing a growing pipeline of unique opportunities for collaboration with global partners.

It has a world-class manufacturing sector that is substantially bigger than the national average. It has leisure and tourism attractions that are known around the world: St Andrews is the ‘home’ of golf.

Its University has staff and students from over 130 countries. It is home to companies that are at the leading edge of software development and technological innovation that keeps the global economy connected.

Fife Chamber is supporting its members’ global ambitions with the launch of its Fife International programme, which will bring together the region’s businesses who already have an international footprint or who have ambitions to create one, and give them the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience of trading overseas with each other. Guest speakers and international market experts will also

Colin Brown

attend the events to share their insights.

The USA will be the focus of the first meeting, with the US Consul visiting Fife to join members. Other important overseas markets will be covered in subsequent events.

The lunch with the US Consul is being sponsored by Chamber member Burness

It is a vital part of our growth strategy, as are our well-established international desks serving the USA, China, Germany and Norway among others which are generating exciting work in those countries.

“The new international initiative being launched by Fife Chamber is an ideal way to help companies here grow both their local and international connections, and we are looking forward to supporting it and sharing our experiences of doing business on the global stage.”

Chamber Network trade mission shows that Scotland is open for business Members of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network did their bit to help increase Scotland’s international business appeal with the hosting of an inward trade mission in April. were representatives from regional agency, Údaras na Gaeltachta. The three-day event was a greatopportunity to further links for both parties following the agreement between them and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce in October of 2018 to set up reciprocal trade offices.

The visitors from Ireland comprised of delegates from a number of chambers of commerce including South Dublin Chamber, County Kildare Chamber, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber and Fingal Dublin Chamber. Also joining the outward mission

Business Scotland

24

The mission embodied the values and aims of the Chamber network, of outwardlooking and innovative co-operation, as local chamber members look to exports and international partnerships to find new customers, suppliers and collaborators.

The event was supported by the Scottish Government Minister for Trade, Investment & Innovation, Ivan McKee MSP and Consul General of Ireland to Scotland, Mark Hanniffy.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron, who attended a

number of the mission events, hailed it as a successful continuation of the Chambers’ International strategy. She said: “This business alliance with Ireland builds on the shared economic ambitions, culture and history between our two countries and extends the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network’s efforts to build on our existing international touchpoints in China, Canada and Indonesia.”

Mr McKee, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Trade, Investment & Innovation was equally enthusiastic about the mission’s effectiveness and praised the contribution of the Chamber network. He said: “Programmes like these play a vital role in building links between businesses in both our countries that open new opportunities for trade.”

CHAMBER NEWS

Scotland and Ireland – supporting cross border trade Against the backdrop of Brexit, fostering trade relationships between Scotland and other European nations has never been more important, building on mutual ambitions and safeguarding strategic economic growth.

As Scotland’s largest neighbouring trading partner, Ireland provides a unique opportunity to sustain corridors for trade post-Brexit. Maintaining this relationship will be increasingly important for Scottish SMEs. Recognising the importance of international trade is critical for creating new economic opportunities and in turn bolstering the local economy.

Iain Young is a Partner and the head of the Corporate sector at independent Scottish law firm Morton Fraser

Scotland and Ireland are two nations that share much in common. Both rich in history and similar in culture, the two also have a comparable economic makeup, and operate in the same language and time zone. Irish businesses are the fourth largest direct foreign investor in Scotland and since 2012 exports between the two have more than doubled.

With trade between the two nations seeing continued growth, Scottish exports to Ireland in 2017 accounted for nearly £1.5bn*, making it Scotland’s fifth largest export destination. A strong trading relationship between Scotland and Ireland will benefit both nations, mitigating Scotland’s exposure to leaving the EU, and limiting the impact on the Irish economy of an increase in barriers with its largest trading partner, the UK. The converse is that if the UK economy deteriorates, then a strategic economic partnership between Scotland and Ireland will protect, to a certain extent, against downside exposure.

Sustained uncertainty around Brexit means that Scottish SMEs need to be more creative when attracting foreign investment and exploring opportunities for international trade. Facing a new rulebook will undoubtedly change the way businesses operate, and it is important that Scottish SMEs make the most of the opportunities that are readably accessible across the Irish Sea. Last month’s trade mission to Ireland, which was co-sponsored by Morton Fraser LLP, is a prime example of where Scottish and Irish business leaders are collaboratively encouraging bi-lateral trade. Events like the inward trade mission offer valuable resources that allows SMEs to expand their reach. Leveraging these opportunities in a post-Brexit world will be vital.

Some industries, including Fintech and Asset Management, have already seen benefits from encouraging bi-lateral trade on both sides of the Irish Sea. The Scottish Irish Finance Initiative (SIFI) was introduced in 2017 to collaboratively grow the finance industries of both countries more effectively.

A number of major Scottish firms, including Baillie Gifford and Standard Life Aberdeen, are even setting up Dublin based offices ahead of Brexit to assist with a smooth business transition.

Understanding the opportunities beyond Scottish borders is becoming increasingly complex and navigating the legal system for trade in a post–Brexit world can be overwhelming for an SME. Likewise, regulations surrounding international businesses that wish to trade in the UK

post-Brexit are, at the moment, somewhat unclear.

Whilst it is likely that Scottish businesses could face increased trading barriers with the entire block of 27 EU member states in a post-Brexit scenario, they will have sufficient autonomy to build bridges to nations like Ireland. And build bridges, we must.

Businesses and policy makers have a great opportunity to work together across Scotland and Ireland for mutual benefit. Establishing corridors for trade across all markets postBrexit is critical for businesses to grow, and strengthening current trade relations with Ireland is a fundamental part of creating the conditions for a well-balanced and sustainable economy. *www2.gov.scot/Resource/0054/00545619.pdf

Business Scotland

25

TALENT & ACQUISITION

Always about people Specialist recruitment company, CCA Recruitment Group is celebrating two decades in business.

Debbie Wilson Director, CCA Recruitment Group

Founded in 1999, CCA Recruitment Group’s expertise is in all aspects of call centre recruitment, working with personnel at all levels from senior executive to operational, analytical, planning, technology and front line adviser roles. From their first office in London, the group has grown to cover the whole of the UK, with teams based in Glasgow, Manchester and Cardiff too.

Over a hundred industry leaders came together to mark the company’s 20th anniversary at a recent celebratory event in Glasgow. Guest speakers shared their insights into the industry’s evolution over the last two decades and their visions of how it will develop over the coming years.

Consumer behaviour, people and technology were key topics discussed by leading lights of the industry. Speakers traced the development of the industry from call centres which utilised manual systems, where communication was solely by phone or letter to their transformation into contact centres, in which customers make contact through a wide range of digital media. The opportunities and challenges posed by these changes were also discussed. In addition, ample time was provided for networking amongst the many CCA Recruitment Group clients, candidates and colleagues, past and present, who attended the event.

Providing an insight into the business and how they approach recruitment, Debbie Wilson, Director, explained, “People are at the heart of our business. We build and

People are at the heart of our business. We build and forge relationships in our work, taking a partnership approach throughout.

Business Scotland

26

forge relationships in our work, taking a partnership approach throughout. When it comes to recruitment, it’s really important to develop relationships in your local markets.

“Open and approachable, you might say we wear our heart on our sleeves, as what you see is what you get. We do what we say we will, we simply don’t let people down and as a result, we’ve earnt a reputation for delivering quality,” As the northern director of the company, Debbie is responsible for all recruitment across Scotland and the North East of England, building on her twenty years’ experience in the call centre and recruitment industry.

Opening the Glasgow branch in the autumn of 2015, Debbie built up their client list completely from scratch as the CCA Recruitment Group was not known in Scotland at the time, and the company soon went from strength to strength, becoming synonymous with call centre recruitment in Scotland.

“Debbie and her team led the recruitment for my Glasgow operation and I’ve been hugely impressed (not easy with me) with the level of engagement but also her understanding of not only her industry and marketplace but mine and that of my clients. Her energy and ambition is infectious, always engaged and ready to support where needed. Straight talking and honest she’s quickly become a true partner and valued extension of my direct team.” Philip Hoggarth, Managing Director – Divisional Trading at Capita.

During their twenty-year journey, Debbie and her colleagues have seen many technological changes in call centre operations, and the means by which customers contact businesses, but it remains “always about people”, observes Debbie, “because people still want to deal with people”.

“Recruitment is about knowing your candidates, the businesses with whom you work and your industry partners. It’s about much more than skill sets, more important is to find the right cultural fit for all concerned.

“Being a specialist in the contact centre industry, we provide a service that goes beyond filling a vacancy, our service is consultative, assisting businesses in improving their operations and efficiency.

Taking a collaborative approach, we work alongside people to ensure the best outcome for all involved.

“We frequently go into companies and observe the business, providing constructive feedback, insights and advice, as we know the industry inside and out. We spot things quickly and can help enhance the service companies are already delivering. In this way, we add value for our clients.

“In addition to our strong presence in Scotland and across the UK, our business has grown to assist clients in Europe and South Africa too. We look forward to working with more companies in Scotland and beyond over the coming years.” www.ccarecruitment.com

TALENT & ACQUISITION

People power – driving the oil and gas industry In this issue of Business Scotland, we speak to Louise Wood, Managing Director of specialist recruitment agency Prodrill Energy Resource Solutions. Louise has over 30 years’ experience of corporate recruitment and in 2014, she was named Director of the Year for the Grampian region by the Institute of Directors.

Established 37 years ago, Prodrill is a recruitment agency working specifically with the oil and gas sector, focusing on technical roles operating across eight key sectors, within the drilling services, decommissioning/plug and abandonment, subsea, geoscience, completions/well services, plus all aspects of general engineering, operations & maintenance and management support.

Louise joined the company over 13 years ago when it was a part of the Sovereign Oil Group. In 2009, however, the business was the subject of a management buyout and set course for a new future with Louise at the helm.

Having always been part of a larger group, Louise’s immediate concern was to secure new funding and continue to build strong relationships across the industry. Working in partnership with the entire supply chain was crucial, engaging fully with all stakeholders to build strong foundations for the business.

It was an approach which bore fruit, turning the company into a leading recruitment agency it is today.

Technical know-how was also imperative.

“Whatever sector in which you work it’s important to know your subject matter. We take a proactive role across the industry we serve, participating in numerous working groups and attending technical industry seminars, so we are in touch with industry developments.

“We also undertake regulatory training and awareness training with various professional organisations across the oil and gas community, so that we have the technical knowledge necessary to understand the challenges our clients face. In addition, we belong to industry organisations including Oil & Gas UK and Decom North Sea, as well as The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC).

“Working within the oil and gas industry means we experience a lot of peaks and troughs. It is a demanding environment, you have to be able to handle rejection and make tough decisions, as not all business is good business, and ultimately recruitment is a target driven environment.

“The human capital supply chain in the oil and gas industry has changed dramatically in the last ten years. In the last four years, since the oil priced suffered a steep drop, the industry’s experienced a huge downturn.

Humans have been at the sharp end of the cost-cutting and as a result, the industry’s

Louise Wood

lost a lot of experience and skills. This is having a detrimental effect on companies as the industry is now on the road to recovery.

“The oil and gas industry is project driven, and there’s a greater need for short-term projects to be fulfilled because of capital investment constraints. Everywhere businesses are trying to do more with less.

“It’s difficult to attract talent when continuous opportunities may not be available and many of the industry’s experienced personnel have moved to sectors in which they have long-term certainty.

“Businesses should always look to their future workforce needs, and remember that reputation is around for a long time, manpower planning is critical and where possible companies should step away from the hire and fire approach and give people a reason to be attracted to stay in the oil and gas sector.

“The industry continues to face challenges when resourcing for competent and skilled individuals. With the changing political landscape and future Off Payroll Working (IR35) reform in the Private Sector, companies will need to demonstrate they have the competitive edge to secure and retain the best people.

“At Prodrill, we have a low turnover of staff and the fact that our people stay with us for the long-term speaks volumes about how we operate. We are like a family, with a passion for people, always recognising their potential.

“We expect a lot of our team, yet in turn, we are supportive of our colleagues if their personal circumstances change, trusting them and working flexibly. There is a lot of goodwill in the company, we are all team players who work very hard, going the extra mile for our clients.

“Our small, knowledgeable team has over 100 years’ experience in the recruitment industry.

Agile and versatile, we react quickly to the changing demands of the industry, adapting to meet our clients’ evolving needs. When you choose a recruitment partner it’s important that you don’t simply do this based on size but look at subject matter expertise too.

“Recruitment makes a huge contribution to the economy. In the past ten years, we’re proud to have completed over 2,000 client projects worldwide in the energy industry and we are looking forward to developing the business over the coming years and being part of the Vision 2035 for the oil and gas industry.” www.prodrill-ers.com

Business Scotland

27

TALENT & ACQUISITION

Building the Future Nayr Recruitment is a dynamic, dedicated and knowledgeable recruitment business. We caught up with UK Recruitment Director, Craig Lister to discover more about the awardwinning services the team at Nayr Recruitment provide on a daily basis.

Nayr Recruitment offers an allencompassing 360 recruitment service in the construction, engineering and technical industries across the UK and Ireland. The firm recruit for a broad range of roles on a permanent and contract white collar basis as-well as supplying temporary trades and labour.

In addition to this, the experienced, permanent recruitment consultants also specialise in head hunting and executive searching, which means that the team at Nayr Recruitment can react quickly to clients’ needs to ensure they place the right people, in the right place at the right time, as Craig explains.

“Here at Nayr Recruitment, we work with some of the biggest construction and engineering businesses in the UK and Ireland, and have some of the most sought after professionals on the market. We really believe that the key to this success lies in the fact that we take the time to build long standing relationships with our clients.

This level of communication means we fully understand both our clients and contractors needs and how best to assist them.”

Going into further detail about the firm’s success, Craig is keen to inform us of the key differentiators between Nayr Recruitment and their competitors within the industry, as well as pointing out a few of the techniques which the team employ to stay ahead of emerging developments.

“Since we specialise in the construction and engineering sector, our team have a full understanding of the industry. We have then broken it down further into specialist recruiters for their chosen sectors which

Business Scotland

28

include building, contracting, engineering and manufacturing. Also, we have specialists in housing, civil engineering, mechanical and electrical contracting as well as the energy and technical sectors, ensuring they have complete knowledge of the area.

“In addition to this, we love communicating via our website and blog and have a loyal social media following. Most importantly however, we still believe in the personal touch. Nothing beats one on one or face to face communication in our world and we strive daily to keep it this way.”

It is no secret that behind every successful company, is a team of dedicated and talented individuals, who work together to achieve the firm’s overall goal. When discussing the internal culture within Nayr Recruitment, Craig highlights the ways in which the team are well equipped to provide the best possible service to clients.

“Being a good corporate citizen isn’t just something we talk about at Nayr Recruitment, it is at the very core of who we are. We feel that all people should be treated equally and not disadvantaged by prejudices or bias. This means that the best person for a job or a promotion is the person who earns that position based on qualifications, experience and knowledge.

“Our in-house team all respect and trust each other and this ethic filters right the way through our business.

“When a new team member starts with Nayr Recruitment, they are closely mentored by our Director and team leaders for as long as they need. As a corporate member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation

(REC), our team are able to attend their workshops as and when they arise. They also take part in Viridor’s capacity building workshops which are fantastic.”

Looking ahead to what the future holds, Craig signs off by noting on the changes he foresees occurring within the industry, as well as revealing the exciting plans which lie in the pipeline for the firm, especially following their recent success in Corporate Vision’s Recruitment Elite 2018.

“Moving forward, we do foresee a candidate short market in the future but are prepared for this eventuality. Having a mature database and such an experienced team in place who have top industry knowledge will allow us to pull from hidden talent pools.

“While we continue to grow in our current Glasgow and Dublin offices, we are also looking forward to opening our newest office in London in 2019.”

Contact Details Company: Nayr Recruitment Contact: Craig Lister Address: 3rd Floor, 14 North Claremont Street, Glasgow, G3 7LE Telephone: 0141 331 2383 www.nayrrecruitment.com

TALENT & ACQUISITION

Solving the renewable energy skills shortage Mhairi Brown leads NRL’s technical and engineering recruitment operations across Scotland, working with renewable energy clients to place temporary and permanent workers into this emerging sector.

As more and more renewable energy projects commence development in Scotland and across the UK, with it brings requirements to engage an increased numbers of workers into renewable roles.

With The Offshore Wind Industry Council estimating that 27,000 people will be employed in the UK’s offshore wind market by 2030 - accounting for more than three times the current workforce – there are multiple opportunities for skilled workers to cross over into renewable sectors.

The Global Wind Energy Council recently reported that 36% of the world’s offshore wind capacity is being controlled by the UK. In Scotland in particular, the government has made £200m of public funds available to support renewable energy – making the 12,000 kilometres of coastline and over 790 islands prime locations.

Renewable energy developments such as new wind farms and tidal wave projects provide good opportunities for fabrication and manufacturing companies in the region to easily extend their expertise into these markets, often requiring them to take on temporary contract workers to manage the increased workload. Whilst the specification for these parts may be different, the traditional methods of manufacturing remain the same - so businesses in the region should be exploring all available opportunities to tap into these green energy markets and not be deterred by the potential complexities of temporarily increasing their workload.

To successfully build and manage these new renewable energy projects however, the industry will need to recruit a large number of engineering roles over the next few years. With these green energy industries still being relatively new to the energy sector, companies often find a shortage of skilled candidates with direct experience. The need to interest and engage engineers from different fields to move into a career in renewable energy has already been recognised widely across the industry.

Mhairi Brown

One solution is to look to the wellestablished oil and gas market to identify new talent. Whilst some niche oil and gas skills such as exploratory work may be difficult to cross match roles, there are a multitude of roles that can easily be transferred to renewable energy projects.

When clients look to secure key functional roles such as project management, procurement and health & safety, whilst some adaptions made be needed, the experience gained from the oil and gas environment makes candidates an ideal match to make the sector move. For some professionals with predominant experience in another engineering discipline, businesses should consider how these areas of expertise can be modified to tap into an additional pool of candidates.

At NRL we believe clients need to look beyond project experience however, to identify those candidates with the right attitude and approach - fundamentally the best cultural fit. New skills and acronyms can be easily gained from training - but focusing on the characteristics of the individual and how they operate could

bring added value to your business. By looking to a different industry to bring new talent into your business, companies will often benefit from a fresh prospective and new ideas.

When it comes to upskilling workers the answer may be in the apprentice levy. With renewable energy specific qualifications already available through the modern apprentice scheme, including a wind turbine operations and maintenance course - this provides a great platform to support career growth.

Wherever clients and recruitment agencies choose to search for the next generation of green energy experts, it’s promising to see that Scotland has a bright future in renewable energy.

To discuss your technical and engineering recruitment requirements give Mhairi and the NRL team a call on 01324 625 227 or email energy@nrl.co.uk nrl.co.uk/renewable nrl.co.uk/temporary nrl.co.uk/permanent

Business Scotland

29

BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Skills for the future As the skills landscape in Scotland has changed, so too has the careers service at the heart of it.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) delivers Scotland’s careers service. And the national skills agency is driving forward career information, advice and guidance services in Scotland with the same innovation and expertise it’s applying to the likes of apprenticeships and skills planning.

Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations.

James says it’s in future planning that this really comes into its own.

“Helping young people in particular to understand what the future skills landscape will look like in Scotland is a huge part of the work of our staff.”

“The work our careers teams are doing right now in schools and SDS centres across the country is helping to ensure employers can recruit the right people, with the right skills, at the right time,” said James Russell, Skills Development Scotland’s Director of

Professional expertise

“Many young people will leave school and take on jobs that haven’t been invented yet. We help them to understand what this means, why it’s exciting and what skills they’ll need to navigate the future employment landscape in Scotland.”

SDS careers advisers train to postgraduate level in the same way as secondary school teachers. As with teaching, careers advisers must also carry out a probationary period once qualified. This gives them the chance to build experience and expertise with the close guidance of more senior colleagues.

James continues: “As your readers will know, robust career intelligence underpins all of SDS’s work, which of course includes career information, advice and guidance services.

“These aren’t just numbers or trends on a page either, advisers can talk to colleagues across the business to gain real-life insight on the varied range of jobs and industries.”

The approach of careers advisers is all about equipping young people with the career management skills they need to make informed decisions about their future, throughout their career.

Business Scotland

30

“SDS has a coaching approach to career information, advice and guidance.” James explains, adding it’s not about being prescriptive in any way.

“You’ll never hear a careers adviser telling a young person ‘no’ or ‘you can’t do this’ or trying in any way to force them down a certain path.

“It’s all about working with the individual to recognise their own strengths and skills, supporting them to work out what they want, how to get there and who can help them along the way.”

In school

Every state secondary school in Scotland has a SDS careers adviser working within it.

Pupils will see their adviser in class, oneto-one and at school events from their move into first year.

145,813 pupils in P7-S3 accessed face-to-

BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Review and recognition Education Scotland started a sixyear cycle of external assessment of SDS career services in 2013.

Services in 25 out of Scotland’s 32 local authorities have been reviewed – all have received positive ratings.

The success of SDS’s careers services is also bringing international recognition.

Across 2018, 21 delegations visited SDS to find out more about their careers services.

This included representatives from Australia, Ghana, Norway, Shangai, Uruguay and the USA. face services in 2017/18, with 92,444 senior pupils doing the same.

One focus for SDS is on earlier intervention in the secondary school journey, when subject choices are made in second or third year.

“That’s a vital point for us,” said James, “we work closely with schools to ensure all the pupils going through subject choices get the support they need.

“Parents and carers can also get involved at this point, joining in with one-to-one meetings with careers advisers.

“Much of this discussion often centres around the variety of routes and pathways into careers, as awareness around the quality and breadth of apprenticeships on offer in Scotland, or enough about the college sector for example may not be high “A careers adviser’s support helps to open up discussions and widen horizons.

“Last year 97% of pupils who had a subject choice interview told us they were satisfied with what it contained, that went up to 98.5% for the parents and carers involved, so we know it’s an approach that’s working well.”

SDS careers services in numbers in 2017/18 Careers advisers in all 359 state secondary schools in Scotland, 80 other education establishments, 63 public access centres and 280 partner and community premises 42, 016 individuals across Scotland accessed SDS universal face-to-face career services More than 2.2million recorded users of My World of Work

In SDS centres

Other countries are copying the My World of Work digital model.

SDS careers support doesn’t stop at the school gates.

Its free, impartial services are also delivered in its network of high street centres to anyone who wants it, at any stage in their career. Professionally qualified staff also work out of an extensive range of partner premises. These partnerships mean people getting the right support, at the right time and from the right agency.

There’s also a helpline for individuals who’d rather talk over the phone. Every August the same helpline gathers careers advisers from across Scotland to staff the Exam Results Helpline. The vital service opens at 8am on results day to provide calm, impartial support for candidates receiving SQA results.

Careers advisers across the country also have a role in supporting people affected by redundancy. SDS leads Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) delivery, with local teams responding quickly to assist businesses of any size.

For employees, this includes advice on dealing with the practical and emotional sides of redundancy. That can include help to find and apply for jobs, managing money and claiming state benefits, support to review their career and identify training, business start-up advice and stress management.

Digital Careers Services

Access to SDS careers support is 24/7 on My World of Work, the online home for careers advice and information in Scotland.

Built to support the development of career management skills, registration allows for a personalised journey through the site.

Tools and tasks are suggested in response to user need backed by high quality resources such as film profiles of real people talking about what their job or industry is really like, vacancies and courses, and information on growth industries.

lecturers, and our career resources for P5P7 pupils,” adds James.

In recent years SDS has set up the My World of Work Ambassador programme in schools across the country. It sees pupils volunteer to act as champions for the web service and the help it can offer their peers, teachers, parents and carers. Each pupil gains valuable transferable experience and skills by taking part.

My World of Work is also where schools access employer opportunities via Marketplace, an online tool connecting business with schools and colleges.

James said: “Employer engagement with schools helps to build young people’s job readiness, increases their career options and offers employers the chance to shape young talent, address skills gaps and source their future workforce.

Employers register on OurSkillsforce and start passing on knowledge of their sector through workshops, talks, workplace visits or placements.

Developed in collaboration with regional DYW groups, it’s a way for schools and colleges to bring industry insight into the classroom.

James added: “At its heart, Marketplace improves engagement between employers and education.”

Find out more

If you want to know more about the work of Skills Development Scotland’s career information, advice and guidance services, go to skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk For more on the Marketplace and to sign up go to ourskillsforce.co.uk

“My World of Work is also home to a wealth of classroom resources for teachers and

Business Scotland

31

E-Max Systems: Manufacturing software solutions that deliver E-Max ERP software manages all the critical elements of manufacturing and engineering, from initial enquiry through to invoicing, so you can deliver quality items on time, every time, at minimal cost.

Packed with functionality rarely seen in off the-shelf packages, E-Max ERP enables you to bring together and streamline your core business functions, saving you time, money and resource.

And because we understand every SME is unique, we’ve created flexible software that works with you, so you don’t need to change your successful processes to benefit from E-Max ERP.

To find out more about what E-Max ERP can offer your company Call us on 0141 644 4424 or Email us at jason@emax-systems.co.uk

emax-systems.co.uk

People like Ron, they’re out there somewhere.

Men and women who once served or did their National Service in the Royal Air Force, and now need our support.

They may be your friends or relatives, so please help us find them.

Then we can do our duty, just as they did theirs, by giving them and their families the support they deserve.

Visit rafbf.org or call 0300 102 1919 and tell us if you know any RAF veterans or their families who may need our support.

JOIN THE SEARCH. CHANGE A LIFE. The RAFBF is a registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and Scotland (SC038109)

Business Scotland

32

JOIN THE SEARCH. CHANGE A LIFE.

International Enterprising Leading Local Strathclyde The final word in business education

We have been MBA pioneers since 1966, first introducing the one year full time, part time and distance learning MBAs in the UK. As a top business school within a leading international technological University and with a history of innovation in the MBA field, we understand the importance of global thinking.

We continue to introduce innovative business programmes, and bespoke executive education, to suit the demands of an evolving business world.

Our acclaimed MBA programme can be studied on a, part time or flexible learning basis which means you don’t have to give up the day job – or travel far – to get a world class MBA. To learn more about our programme we invite you to attend one of our MBA summer preview sessions.

To register visit:

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

BUSINESS MENTORING

Scottish Chambers take mentoring to the next step with Future Female Business Leaders programme The Scottish Chambers of Commerce practiced what they preached in February when they partnered with the Scottish Government and the Association of Scottish Businesswomen to announce a new mentoring programme specifically aimed at developing the next generation of Scottish business women.

The Future Female Business Leaders programme will provide participants with an unparalleled network of experienced women in business who will mentor, guide and support the growth of womenled businesses and senior women in the corporate and public sector. The partnership is the most recent of a number of examples of how the Scottish Chambers works with public sector organisations to run cost-free programmes for the benefit of Scottish businesses.

The scheme adds another string to SCC’s mentoring bow – the Chambers of Commerce have run Mentoring programmes at a local and national level for a number of years, working with a variety of distinguished partners.

Chief Executive Liz Cameron is keen to continue to build upon the SCC’s impressive reputation for business mentoring that helps unlock opportunities for women in the business world. She said: “This is a perfect example of playing to the strengths and connectivity of both the public and private sector. It is an economic priority to ensure that we create an infrastructure which will unlock the outstanding opportunities which exist for females in the workplace enabling more of us to progress to the very top.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was enthusiastic about the prospect of the programme, praising its potential for delivering positive effects on Scottish society.

Helping more women to set up and succeed in business is both an economic and a moral imperative. By encouraging and supporting women to create and grow businesses, we can create greater equality which in turn builds a stronger and fairer economy.

Business Scotland

34

She said: “Helping more women to set up and succeed in business is both an economic and a moral imperative. By encouraging and supporting women to create and grow businesses, we can create greater equality which in turn builds a stronger and fairer economy.”

Ms Sturgeon, who will speak at SCC’s Annual Business Address in Glasgow in September, also took the opportunity to comment on the strength of the SCC network, noting the size and scale of its membership and the mentoring programme, which has over 1,000 mentors signed up.

Lyndsey Greer-Phillips, President of the Association of Scottish Businesswomen, believes the mentoring project is unique in its ability to create a climate for success.

She said: “For many women in business, these talents and ideas can often be overlooked, holding them back and limiting their contributions to our economy. That’s why this partnership is so appealing. It’s led by women in business and is for women in business”.

You can find out more about the Future Female Business Leaders programme by visiting the Scottish Chambers of Commerce website, or calling 0141 444 7500.

Supporting families through all of life’s performances.

We help clients achieve their full financial promise, whatever the future may hold.

• • • •

Savings & Investments Tax Planning Pensions & Retirement Planning Estate Planning

8 Randolph Crescent Edinburgh, eh3 7th Tel: 0131 526 3250 info@acumenfp.com acumenfp.com Accredited Financial Planning Firm of the Year 2018.

Aberdeen

Acumen Financial Planning Limited is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA number 218745. Tax planning and tax advice is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Edinburgh

Elgin

Peterhead

CHAMBER NEWS

Scottish businesses face uphill challenges over Brexit & rising business costs, says latest SCC survey The latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) Quarterly Economic Indicator survey (QEI) for Q2 of 2019 shows that businesses continue to face difficulties due to the prolonged uncertainty around the UK’s position in relation to Brexit.

Tim Allan

President, Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Other factors such as the costs of doing business in Scotland and a slowdown in the global economy have also contributed to a lack of investment decisions and slower growth. Firms in Scotland remain extra cautious about investment which is bedding in risk that the Scottish economy will suffer in the medium and long term.

The QEI also revealed that most sectors in Scotland are reporting rising cost pressures – from raw material prices and other overheads – related to Brexit preparations.

64% of manufacturing firms and 52% of construction firms reported “rising raw material prices as their top cost pressure”.

Whilst overall business confidence made a slight recovery from three months ago when the UK faced a cliff-edge Brexit, it is

Business Scotland

36

generally lower than the same period last year. The underlying trends of the survey hint that the economy is running low on fuel and is in need of an injection of confidence.

Manufacturing continues to be the sector most heavily affected by the ongoing uncertainty. Stockpiling in Q1 has resulted in capacity utilisation being at its lowest level in ten years, according to the survey.

Businesses continue to report consistent challenges in recruiting. Over 80% of tourism firms are attempting to recruit staff, with nearly 70% of these firms facing difficulties in doing so. More than half of manufacturing companies surveyed face challenges acquiring the skilled workforce that they need to operate.

The survey revealed that pay increases are on the rise across the board. Indeed, the indicator found every sector on balance increased wages over the quarter apart from retail, showing that firms are having to pay more to retain their workforce as the supply of skilled labour eases.

The Scottish Chamber Network wants to see increased public and private investment into the learning and training processes needed to ensure that Scotland’s workforce is appropriately skilled at all stages of their careers. This includes ensuring they are equipped to fully harness the increasing requirements of technological advancement.

With Brexit causing ongoing uncertainty for firms across Scotland and the rest of the UK, we would urge any future UK government to be quick out of the blocks to work with the business community in tackling some of the most challenging problems holding back investment, growth and productivity in our economy. *The QEI surveys firms from five key sectors in the Scottish economy: Construction, Manufacturing, Financial & Business Services, Retail and Tourism. *This survey was conducted between March and June of 2019. 350 firms responded to the Q2 2019 edition of the indicator.

Kevin Boyd Managing Director, Scotland

Success Stories Selected transactions from the past year.

Cadherent Ltd

Engineering design and visualisation services COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE AND WORKING CAPITAL FACILITY

GT4 Group

Label Manufacturers FUNDING GROWTH

Contact us today

0330 123 1740 ScotlandRBC@shawbrook.co.uk

We've been working with clients, their advisers and sponsors to provide funding for a variety of great businesses across Scotland.

From our Business Centre in Glasgow we're able to deliver the support that we believe matters most: sector specialists who can speak the language of your industry; a deep knowledge of the local market; and a more human approach to decision making, which doesn’t rely solely on anonymous scorecards.

So if you’re looking to work with specialists who understand every business has its own unique story, I'm pretty sure we can help.

Asset Alliance Group

Borders Distillery

Commercial Vehicle Provider FUNDING GROWTH

Whisky Producer ASSET FINANCE AND WORKING CAPITAL FACILITY

Monarch Transport Ltd

Renfrewshire Electronics Ltd

Road Haulage Services DEBT AND CASH FLOW FACILITY

Technology and Management Solutions Supply Chain REFINANCE AND WORKING CAPITAL FACILITY

PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE SERVICES • INTERPRETING • TRANSLATION • TRANSCRIPTION • WEBSITE LOCALISATION • VOICE OVERS • LANGUAGE TUITION • LINGUIST TRAINING

mail@globallanguageservices.co.uk Craig House, 64 Darnley Street, Glasgow G41 2SE

Tel / Fax: 0141 429 3429 Edinburgh Office - 0131 220 0115 Inverness Office – 01463 258839 www.globalglasgow.com

Having a big audience is one thing, knowing how to engage them is another. e: info@be-everywhere.co.uk t: 0191 5805 990 www.be-everywhere.co.uk

Business Scotland

38

VISAVVI

Advances in innovative AV technology has revolutionised the way we communicate with one another, especially within training and development.

We’re now able to connect and collaborate with colleagues all over the world, however, getting collaboration right for your organisation can be a challenge.

At Visavvi, we work alongside our clients to develop and integrate collaborative and innovative AV solutions with a global reach.

We have worked with an array of established clients to help them transform their business communications and further their training and development.

Recently, Visavvi was appointed by Lloyds Register- a global engineering, technical and business services organisation spanning 78 countries - to develop and implement state of the art collaboration technology in their flagship office in Aberdeen.

The Visavvi team was tasked with liberating the Lloyd’s Register team from the current shackles of outdated practices and restrictive technologies. Seamless interaction was needed to replace timeconsuming and frustrating methods, and improve safety, quality and performance.

With a four-week deadline, we delivered exceptional presentation technology in over 30 meeting rooms, alongside digital signage, room booking, wayfinding systems, and a series of bespoke audio-conferencing booths. The overall result means Lloyds Register now has a network of systems, enabling seamless global communications across all of their offices.

Innovative AV technology can also help further learning and development. For example, the University of West Scotland recently invested ÂŁ110 million in creating an innovative, dynamic and collaborative new university campus. Visavvi were chosen by the University to design, install and support innovative AV facilities at their flagship campus in Lanarkshire.

and a state of the art 24 screen NEC videowall, designed for a work and social space. Our AV solutions created high-tech, flexible and collaborative spaces, enabling the university to deliver teaching in a powerfully effective and modern way.

Both examples showcase how Visavvi and AV technology is driving positive change and impacting both training and development across multiple sectors. Our innovative AV solutions are at the forefront of this change, shaping the future of AV communications.

To discover more about our era of Ingenious Business Collaboration, visit our website: www.visavvi.com or call 0370 606 1100.

We installed 65 innovative learning suites, including a 236-capacity lecture theatre featuring ceiling mounted repeater screens

Business Scotland

39

HEATHROW

Connecting Scotland to the world Heathrow plays a crucial role in connecting Scotland to the world. As the UK’s largest port and only hub airport, we pool demand for global connections, enabling more flights to more destinations that other airports can’t support. But Heathrow is full. Without expansion, the UK risks losing its competitive edge and ability to link businesses, exports and people across Scotland to global growth.

Connecting Scotland to the world

Spreading the benefits of expansion

At Heathrow, we are committed to helping every part of the country strengthen their links to new and expanding markets.

Expansion would double cargo capacity at the airport and allow Scottish businesses to connect up to 40 new long-haul destinations.

This would provide new trading opportunities in addition to new supply chain opportunities as we build Britain’s new runway.

Expansion offers a world of opportunity for British business, including Scottish SMEs. As part of this, we will be hosting one of our Business Summits in Edinburgh in October this year. Organised in conjunction with Scottish business groups and the Scottish Government, the event is an opportunity for local businesses to cement relationships and create connections with some of the UK’s largest suppliers – including from Heathrow’s own supply chain.

It’s why expansion at Heathrow is backed by the Scottish Chamber of Commerce and more than thirty local Chambers. We will ensure that Scottish businesses continue to be heard as our plans develop, updating the Chambers at an annual event until the proposed new runway is operational.

With direct routes to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, Heathrow is the gateway for visitors to Scotland from every corner of the globe. Competition and rotations on all four routes are already growing, offering greater choice to passengers. To help boost tourism around the UK, we also created a themed gateroom for Scotland in Terminal 3 last year to encourage all who passed it to visit some of the nation’s most spectacular destinations.

Whilst ensuring we are delivering for businesses in Scotland and the rest of the country, we are also clear that we will meet our responsibilities to the environment: our airport infrastructure will be carbon neutral by 2020, zero carbon by 2050, and any growth that comes with expansion will be carbon neutral. Our Logistics Hubs are a great example of how this will work: these innovative off-site construction sites will help us build the new runway sustainably while giving businesses across the UK an opportunity to work with us.

One of the four UK-wide Hubs will be located in Scotland – contributing to the thousands of local jobs that would be created

throughout the expansion project. Following a nationwide tour in 2018, we announced a shortlist of four potential sites to host Scotland’s Logistics Hub: Glasgow Prestwick Airport; Babcock Marine in Rosyth; Forth Ports; and Peter D Stirling in Mossend.

All shortlisted sites were chosen based on strong local support, a thriving local supply chain, convenient connectivity links, and a skilled local workforce. The final choice will be announced early next year.

Scotland’s place in the world

Every day, Heathrow supports Scotland’s place as a strong trading nation. We are in a unique position to do this as the UK’s only hub airport – and with expansion, Heathrow would improve Scotland’s connections to markets everywhere. It would boost Scottish business and tourism, support economic growth, and create new jobs across the nation. Moreover, our plans would be delivered – including the growth in flights – in a way that is carbon neutral and compatible with UK climate targets.

We look forward to working with Scotland’s businesses to make sure that expansion continues to support you and your communities.

The Heathrow Business Summit SCOTLAND is one of the 10 Regional Business Summits during 2019. Please join us at BT Murrayfield Stadium on Thursday 10th October.

You can find out more and register to attend on www.heathrowbusinesssummit.co.uk

Business Scotland

40

OO B D N OTLA C S G LPIN E H W IS O R E AT H H G NDIN A P X E

TOMATIN DISTILLERY, ONE OF THE MANY BUSINESSES ACROSS THE UK THAT SUPPORT HEATHROW EXPANSION

With connections to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, Heathrow is the gateway to global markets for Scottish exports – like whisky from the Tomatin Distillery. Expansion would double our cargo capacity and create new domestic and international trading routes, helping businesses in Scotland boost their exports.

Find out more about the opportunities Heathrow is creating for Scotland’s businesses at our Business Summit in Edinburgh on 10th October: www.heathrowbusinesssummit.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EXPANSION AND THE FACTS IN THIS ADVERT VISIT: www.heathrow.com/exports

ST

ALPHA SCOTLAND

Alpha Scotland clients include The University of Glasgow and The University of the West of Scotland, pictured above

Alpha Scotland goes to the top of the class Alpha Scotland has seen a 20% growth in its business in the past year through expanding its reach within the education sector in Scotland.

Part of the Alpha Group, the company specialises in office and educational furniture and has been operating for 30 years. Alpha has been involved in a range of educational projects which span from Special Needs Primary Schools to some of the UK’s most prestigious University Campuses. The company has recently delivered a number of major contracts in the Scottish market, completing innovative refurbishment projects at University of

The present climate in the education sector is that of change and development, with the aim of producing a competitively skilled workforce for the 21st century.

Business Scotland

42

Glasgow, University of West Scotland and Edinburgh University.

Alpha credits the surge in demand for contemporary, multifunctional educational furniture to new trends emerging within the education environment and a growing need to respond to changing needs of students in order to compete on a global playing field.

Paul Black, CEO, The Alpha Group, said: “The present climate in the education sector is that of change and development, with the aim of producing a competitively skilled workforce for the 21st century. Children and young adults are taught skills for jobs that have not yet been conceived, so this really is an exciting period for the education sector.

“As teaching styles evolve, learning experiences are enhanced by classroom configuration and furniture design.

Universities in particular are increasingly modernising their facilities to attract students outside of the UK and Alpha has identified this sectoral opportunity, investing in research and development to better understand the needs of the modern student.

“Universities and schools are essentially businesses, it is their job to attract and retain the best students and with our help they can provide modern, dynamic learning spaces to help them achieve this.

“Thoughtfully designed learning spaces which include visual stimulation and flexible configurations are proven to improve student

performance and teacher retention. Using an insight-led approach, we strive to create classrooms that encourage higher levels of engagement, improved attendance and better academic performance. We have a passion for understanding how learning best takes place and how smarter, active learning spaces can help.

“A perfect example of this is our ongoing work with The University Of Glasgow, over recent years we have designed and installed furniture for; The Sir Alexander Stone Building, Gilchrist Café, Joseph Black Library, West Medical Building and Adam Smith Building within the University campus.

These key active learning environments are always designed with the student in mind creating inspiring spaces which fulfil the needs of students and educators.

Digitalisation of traditional learning methods, and an increased emphasis on mobile technology also mean there are less need for static desks and rigid learning environments, so we opted for more opting for more informal, comfortable areas where students can use their laptops to study remotely.

“We have seen our business grow from strength to strength with the opening of our new Alpha Scotland premises in Glasgow, and we will continue to strive to set ourselves apart as specialist furniture suppliers for the education sector.” www.alphascotland.com

Become a friend of Bipolar Scotland

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.

BipolarScotland @Bipolar Scotland

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) live with bipolar disorder so we all know someone with a diagnosis - a relative, a friend, a neighbour, a workmate. Become a friend of Bipolar Scotland and give them a fair chance of living life to the full.

Contact Bipolar Scotland on 0141 560 2050 or info@bipolarscotland.org.uk

www.bipolarscotland.org.uk

office furniture & interior professionals combining comfort and function to create inspirational workspaces

Tel 0141 225 5170 www.alphascotland.com e hello@alphascotland.com Alpha Scotland is part of the Alpha Group @AlphaGrpOffice

The Alpha Group

Business Scotland

43

ANN1031

meetings &

Private Dining at Annandale Distillery

You can now hire Annandale Distillery’s beautiful meeting rooms for private dining, meetings and to form part of your corporate days out.

Our stylish spaces are filled with locally handcrafted furniture, and equipped with video conferencing, projectors, flip-pads and everything you could need for more intimate meetings of up to 12 people, or up to 60 guests for seminar-style conferencing.

With a competitive day delegate rate that includes unlimited tea and coffee, and the option to add buffet-style or bespoke breakfast, lunch and evening meals, golf days, distillery tours and tastings to your package, Annandale Distillery is the perfect venue for your next event.

Enquire today

d.ashton-hyde@annandaledistillery.com

Northfield, Annan, Dumfriesshire, DG12 5LL +44 (0) 1461 207817 | info@annandaledistillery.com

TRANSFORMING BUSINESSES INTO GREATER THINGS In the competitive world of business today, there is a continuous need for companies to ‘move with the times’ to ensure forward success is maintained. This can often result in revisiting business strategy, looking into process efficiencies and ensuring the right people and systems are in place to achieve measurable improvements.

Chasqui-Team specialises in business transformation working alongside companies to create and implement strategies for sustainable and profitable growth. From initial business audit right through to project management and roll out, we help businesses to understand their areas of opportunity and work to ensure all changes are implemented effectively with measurable results.

Our team of skilled professionals have strong backgrounds in business transformation projects and bring together a wealth of knowledge and experience. They work hand-in-hand with your teams from start to finish to ensure understanding, relevance and quality throughout.

At Chasqui-Team we stand by our ‘4A Philosophy’

WE ASSESS

WE AGREE

STEP

01

STEP

STEP

STEP

WE ACTION

03

04

02

WE ADVISE

YOUR PARTNERS IN BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION T: +44 (0) 333 006 2507 E: enquiries@chasqui-team.com www.chasqui-team.com

Business Scotland

44

AT CHASQUI-TEAM WE DON’T JUST SAY IT, WE DO IT.

Business across the pond?

Enjoy amazing benefits from two amazing airlines. Business sorted.

Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines are redefining transatlantic travel, creating a seamless experience that makes business travel a pleasure. And there are plenty of reasons to choose us when flying across the Atlantic.

• Fly direct, every day, from Edinburgh to Boston and JFK on the newly launched Delta service • Both Virgin Atlantic and Delta are award-winning airlines • Super convenient co-locations at key US hubs like JFK and Atlanta • Sleep like a dream in your fully flat bed in Upper Class and Delta One® • WiFi way up high, on nearly all our transatlantic routes Book your next business trip at virginatlantic.com

MEMBER COLLABORATION

WeeBox meets Scottish Keepsakes The first of its kind in terms of product offering, WeeBox is Scotland’s subscription box, bringing Scotland and Scottish products to a global audience every month.

WeeBox launched to compete in the flourishing subscription e-commerce market, has grown by more than 100 percent a year over the past five years in the US, according to a recent report by McKinsey.

Recognised for their convenience in gifts being delivered direct to the recipient, together with the element of surprise in terms of the products included, interest in subscription box services has grown steadily across the globe. WeeBox, in curating boxes to include both iconic and lesser known creative brands, aims to delight and taps into the pride and fondness those with a connection to the country, feel for Scotland.

It was in this search for the best of Scottish products that female entrepreneur Amy McCusker, founder of WeeBox, met Carol Smith, founder and owner of ‘Scottish Keepsakes’.

Both members of their local Chambers of Commerce in Ayrshire and Glasgow respectively, Carol and Amy met at Scotland’s Trade Fair where Carol was exhibiting and Amy attended as a buyer. Following a few

meetings to explore product fit, Scottish Keepsakes were chosen to showcase ‘Clara’, Carol’s bonnie Heilan’ Coo designed lapel pin backed on to Scottish tweed.

These are now destined to reach a global audience across North America, Australia, the Far East and Europe as part of the July ‘Highlands and Highland Coo’ WeeBox. Amy has seen rapid growth in her Scottish subscription box business over the past 3 years, saying: “We have some amazing Scottish brands producing fantastic products and I’m excited to work with Scottish Keepsakes to share their products inside WeeBox with Scots and Scots-atheart around the world. Our global WeeBox Clan numbers in the thousands now and they have come to expect a high standard ‘unboxing experience’ and genuinely look forward to their purple WeeBox of Scottish happiness landing each month’.

The global market for Scottish products is significant. According to the UN, it’s estimated that there are around 5 million people born in the UK, with 10% of those from Scotland, living abroad. In addition, there is the huge student market, with thousands of young people travelling abroad as part of their academic careers each year, and the wider Scottish diaspora existing in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and spread around the world.

The ‘Outlander-effect’ has also played

a significant role in growing their subscriber base. The ‘Outlander’ books and TV series by Diana Gabaldon, have brought Scotland to a whole new audience who are now not just fans of the show, but of Scotland itself.

You can find out more about gifting or receiving a WeeBox online www.weebox.co.uk Scottish Keepsakes products make ideal gifts for all occasions including corporate/table gifts. The full range can be found on their website at www.scottishkeepsakes.com and in their Etsy and Amazon shops.

We have some amazing Scottish brands producing fantastic products and I’m excited to work with Scottish Keepsakes to share their products inside WeeBox with Scots and Scots-at-heart around the world.

Business Scotland

46

MEMBER COLLABORATION

Opening up new markets Since joining Ayrshire Chamber, following the rebrand of her business in September 2018, Carol, founder and owner of Scottish Keepsakes, hasn’t looked back: continuing to build upon her existing retail & wholesale customer portfolio around Scotland/UK and also discovering unexpected new avenues for her Kilmarnock-based business.

As well as having online shops and supplying bespoke corporate event gifts, Scottish Keepsakes has been attracting interest from overseas customers looking for unique, handcrafted Scottish gift items.

The ex-pat, tourism & wedding markets are steadily consistent and there has recently been a growing spell of enquiries from the many established Scottish Societies, Pipe bands and Burns organisations.

Scottish Keepsakes (previously Caring Keepsakes) was chosen to showcase their in-house design “Heilan’ Coo” lapel pin

by Glasgow company ‘WeeBox’, in their search for the best of Scottish products at Scotland’s Trade Fair (Autumn) at SECC, where Carol regularly exhibits.

As a result, many hundreds of their Heilan’ Coos on swatches of the popular Harris tweed are destined to reach a global audience across North America, Australia, the Far East and Europe.

Following on from their July ‘Highland’ theme, Scottish Keepsakes is now collaborating with WeeBox founder, Amy McCusker, on some Christmas, New Year and Burns’ options.

Carol says, “I love all things Scottish. I am passionate about my Ayrshire business

and I strive to keep developing my products – offering choice to customers looking for something a little bit different. The fact that my hand-crafted Scottish products are being received and appreciated in many different countries is very rewarding, and I’m excited to be collaborating with Amy from WeeBox who has a similar vision and passion, bringing our combined products to new global markets”.

“I am extremely grateful for the business support availed to me via my Chamber membership over the past 6 months, assisting me to expand and to continue to reach my goals”.

Scottish Keepsakes’ full range can be found on their website at www.scottishkeepsakes.com and in their Etsy and Amazon shops.

Business Scotland

47

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Harnessing Scotland’s global opportunity Recent technological advances which enable renewable energy to be converted into a carbon-free fuel, present huge opportunities for Scotland.

A potential new export industry for Scotland has been identified in a recent paper published by the Highland’s new think tank HIAlba-IDEA, authored by founders Professor Ronald MacDonald, (Professor in Macroeconomics and International Finance at the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School) and Dr Donald MacRae (the former director of corporate planning at CSIRO).

Floating offshore wind farms could produce the ammonia, utilising a little of the huge expanse of water around Scotland to create renewable energy

Drawing on recent advances, renewably generated ammonia can be produced more cost-effectively than fossil fuel-based processes, making it possible for Scotland to tap into the chemical’s huge demand.

As the second most-produced chemical in the world, the ammonia market is worth a staggering amount and demand is growing, with estimates suggesting it will be worth $76.64 billion by 2025.

In addition, technological advances made at CSIRO have greatly reduced the cost of extracting hydrogen from ammonia. This increases the attractiveness of utilising ammonia as a storage medium and carrier of hydrogen. This development offers yet more opportunities for hydrogen produced in Scotland to be transported around the globe.

This technological breakthrough also resolves one of the greatest shortcomings of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, the inability to store surplus electricity for when the wind or sun are not there, as excess electricity can be stored as ammonia.

Unlike much renewable energy today, this capacity for storage would ensure a steady flow of energy 27/7 365 days a year.

Precluding the need for wind turbines to be switched off when there is a surfeit of electricity or for constraint payments to be made – allowing the subsidy to be redirected for other purposes.

Floating offshore wind farms, as opposed to onshore wind farms, could produce the ammonia, utilising a little of the huge expanse of water around Scotland to create renewable energy. Moreover, the potential for North Sea oil rigs to store the ammonia for electricity production or transfer to

Business Scotland

48

ammonia tanker ships, could extend the life of these rigs and preclude the need for expensive decommissioning work. This needs to be assessed relative to onshore production and storage of renewable ammonia. As noted, the ammonia could be exported to global markets or used to store energy for feeding into the national grid utilising hydrogen fuel cell technology.

This could make it possible for Scotland to become the backbone of a renewable electricity super grid, powering Europe.

The benefits to be had from harnessing renewably produced ammonia and extracting hydrogen from it are numerous. First and foremost, the opportunity exists to establish a new export industry for Scotland, adding an important facet to the country’s existing energy sector.

Given that hydrogen is fast being recognised as the fuel of the future given it is carbonfree and non-toxic – means it is in increasing demand to power vehicles. Space rockets,

planes, ships, cars, buses, vans and other vehicles, all have the capacity to be fuelled by hydrogen - a market in which Scotland could play a crucial role.

Many additional benefits would be forthcoming from this export industry, from bolstering the economy to creating jobs, regenerating regional economies where traditional industries have faltered and reinvigorating traditional industries like shipbuilding by harnessing the clean fuel.

Whilst urban areas could be freed of heavy polluting vehicles, the bane of policymakers in recent years, in fact, adopting carbonfree energy in vehicles would negate the necessity for eco restrictions in city centres altogether.

“The benefits resulting from Scotland producing storable, renewable energy are almost limitless,” explains Professor Ronald MacDonald, “there are numerous examples of what could be done in addition to creating a new export industry for Scotland.

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

“An immensely productive sub-economy would emerge, rejuvenating industry, improving our infrastructure, housing, transport and farming, creating ecologically friendly industrial parks and assisting with regional development.

“The Orkney Surf’n’Turf project to produce hydrogen from tidal power is a leadingedge development which illustrates how renewable energy projects can benefit local communities, as well as creating enormous export opportunities. The potential is huge, there just needs to be a little thinking outside of the box.”

Ultimately, Scotland could become entirely energy self-sufficient using a green, carbonfree energy, as well as creating a new export industry – a win for the environment and the economy, precluding the need for fossil fuel imports and freeing up much-needed cash for other projects. Scotland’s economic, enterprise and environmental progress would be galvanised.

Great strides could also be made in achieving emission reductions across Europe, helping countries to deliver emergency climate change initiatives and meet their carbon neutral targets.

Goals which are all the more important given the recent report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which highlighted that the next ten years are crucial if we are to stabilise global warming at 1.5°C. In addition to the expectation of the UK Committee on Climate Change that a target of net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases will be adopted by 2050. The appetite and necessity for change exist like never before.

“Swift action needs to be taken if Scotland is to become an early adopter of renewable hydrogen and reap the benefits of these opportunities,” explains Professor Ronald MacDonald, “businesses and policymakers need to act now.

“Businesses have a crucial role to play in the R&D of the technology, as there are clear advantages to Scottish companies collaborating in patenting technologies to accelerate the processes to produce hydrogen from renewable energy for the European market, in addition to

Professor Ronald MacDonald

manufacturing and exporting the ammonia and hydrogen itself.

“Scotland benefitted from North Sea oil, now the potential exists for a second energy windfall, this time from renewable energy that can be converted into carbon-neutral fuel. It could be argued that Scotland didn’t benefit as much as it could have done from the earlier generation of renewable energy, as so much of the technology, like wind turbines, was imported into the country rather than developed within it. We don’t want to see this happen again.

“There is a huge potential for businesses to be the first movers in developing and adopting technologies associated with renewable hydrogen - but time is of the essence if Scotland is to harness this potential.”

The potential for Scotland to emulate Norway in establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund to achieve myriad benefits in building national social and human capital is considered in the HIAlba-IDEA Overview report at hialba.org.

The benefits resulting from Scotland producing storable, renewable energy are almost limitless, there are numerous examples of what could be done in addition to creating a new export industry for Scotland.

Business Scotland

49

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Why consider an electric cargo bike for your next business vehicle Electric Cargo Bikes are becoming more and more popular. A combination of advancing technology, concern over air quality and the environment and of course budgetary reasons has seen what was once a very niche delivery method, turn into a truly viable transport option for many businesses, even those based in the hilliest of cities.

Like riding a traditional bike, an electric cargo bike still needs pedalled. However, the rider isn’t left to struggle and pedal the load on their own. The electric assist gives the rider extra power (pedal assistance of up to 300%) for carrying heavy loads (up to 200kg or 440lbs) uphill while not needing to over-exert themselves.

Do the Maths There are several benefits to using an electric cargo bike over a van.

As seen in the infographic, the price difference is astounding.

Starting at £4,000, electric cargo bikes are a significantly lower investment than purchasing a traditional delivery vehicle. Interest free loans for e-cargo bikes can be applied for through The Energy Saving Trust. These loans are repayable over four years significantly reducing the initial outlay cost.

The running costs over a year are notably lower too. There is no vehicle excise duty to pay, no parking charges and the cost of recharging is considerably less than fuel.

Customer Support As much as the financial aspect of an electric cargo bike might seem important. There are plenty of other factors to consider. One of which being your customers: In a large-scale report, 63% of respondents stated they were concerned or extremely concerned about air pollution. Additionally, a recent study

by Unilever found a third of consumers are now choosing to buy from brands they believe are doing social or environmental good.

This presents a big opportunity for businesses who want to improve their environmental impact and improve air quality while also giving customers an additional reason to do business with you and not a competitor. A cargo bike branded up with company logos and contact details becomes a free advertising platform in the locations where your customers (or potential customers) are found.

The Practical Choice Practicality is also a major factor. If your load would be around 200kg (440lbs) or less and most of your journeys are within a city or limited geographical location, it might be faster and easier using a cargo bike – there could well be traffic free routes to avoid congestion and parking becomes a lot easier too.

Even businesses who travel over larger distances have already started to think about making their ‘last mile’ deliveries more sustainable. For example, an initiative by Pedal & Post sees courier vans drop off parcels at a hub location to then make local deliveries within Oxford by cargo bike. Like many cities, Oxford has congestion problems and parking restrictions which means it is often quicker to do these last mile deliveries by cargo bike.

The other advantage is that no licence is needed. Whereas with a van, driving duties might be restricted to only those with driving licences, anyone can ride an electric cargo bike. With the electric assist, it doesn’t require riders to be elite athletes either.

Cargo Bike Features

Depending on the make and model chosen, the features of an e-cargo bike will also differ.

The Tern GSD S00 for example is the same length as a regular bike and can be stored on its end for ease of storage. As it can also fit in a car, it’s a perfect option if the cargo bike was to be used for ‘last mile’ deliveries or visits.

The Riese & Muller cargo bikes on the other hand look more like traditional cargo bikes with large load carrying capacity on the front.

Although if you need additional space, there is always the option of an extra carrier on the back too.

Try out an Electric Cargo Bike Pop in-store or give us a call and book yourself a demo to try it out for you and your business Edinburgh Bruntsfield: 8 Alvanley Terrace, EH9 1DU Edinburgh Canonmills: 30 Rodney Street, EH7 4EA Aberdeen: 458-464 George Street, AB25 3XH www.edinburghbicycle.com 0345 257 0808

Business Scotland

50

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Environment, Sustainability and The Circular Economy Training and Delivery Teachers and Practitioners who wish to deliver this award must complete a CPD session.

Waste in the Circular Economy Award – SCQF Credit Rated WasteSwitch learning have consulted widely with practitioners across a variety of learning communities who have confirmed the need for a focused award to support core skills, apprenticeships, employability programmes, alternative curriculum learners, senior school leavers and people beginning their employment journey.

The Waste in the Circular Economy Award provides teachers and learners with the opportunity to develop their values, attitudes and skills towards achieving a circular economy and protecting our environment. The knowledge gained from this award will improve their ability to relate their learning and achievements to their educational development and future career.

The course is credit rated at level 5 and has 30 hours of notional learning.

The award can be delivered via a workbook or accessed from an online learning system.

These resources provide Teachers and practitioners materials that are custom designed to be incorporated into existing curriculum coursework and have been mapped against Learning for Sustainability

20

This is delivered over a half-day session (2 hours) and aims to: n familiarise practitioners with the content of the SCQF Award, the learning outcomes and performance criteria

outcomes, at the same time providing the student with SCQF credits for future progression within education or a recognised qualification for those who will be entering the work place.

How is this Award currently being utilised? n Secondary Schools including this within curriculum classes such as Science, Geography, English and Businesses Management. n Colleges are including this as part of qualification enhancements in modern apprenticeships, HNC’s and others.

n familiarise practitioners with the digital resource to support delivery n give practitioners support about registration, assessment, qualification value, student certification, quality assurance, moderation and verification processes If you would like to find out more around these resources and how they could provide an accredited framework for your current and future activities, we would be delighted to hear from you. #educationiskey 0800 6890222 training@wasteswitch.com

n Developing the Young Workforce Groups and other employability programmes. n Environmental, Sustainability and Circular Economy Projects.

20

1999

2019

Anniversary

Call today for your free site survey

Mil-tek Scotland Ltd | 31 Colvilles Place Kelvin Industrial Estate | East Kilbride - G75 0PZ phone: 0800 033 7300 office@miltekscotland.com | www.miltekscotland.com

Minimize your waste

Business Scotland

51

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Kick-starting Scotland’s green economy Frank Mitchell

CEO, SP Energy Networks

Scotland is on track to become one of the greenest countries in the world if it achieves its new ‘net zero’ targets. Earlier this year, we welcomed the Scottish Government pledge to reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045, with ScottishPower and Glasgow City Council aiming to make Glasgow the UK’s first net zero city.

These are ambitious targets that will require changes to behaviour, economics and policy.

However, with the right investment Scotland has the potential to become a world leader in sustainability and energy efficiency.

To make it happen, it’s vital for businesses across a wide range of industries to invest in zero carbon solutions – such as modernising machinery, increasing the use of, and access to, electric transport options, ending reliance on fossil fuels and reducing waste. Progress towards net zero hinges on the success of Scotland’s green economy.

With this in mind we at SP Energy Networks, have committed to voluntarily contribute up to £20million over a two-year period to initiatives that will support Scotland’s ambitious green energy plan. The Green Economy Fund supports green projects that will ultimately help the Scottish Government in reaching its net zero target.

Our Green Economy Fund will help to build infrastructure while stimulating economic growth and creating green jobs in communities across Central and Southern Scotland. We’re funding projects that aim to boost local economic growth, improve air quality in our cities or educate the workforce of tomorrow to ensure a greener future for Scotland.

The projects funded by SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund will benefit people across the length and breadth of Scotland. The funding announcement was backed by champion cyclist Callum Skinner at The Great Polish Map of Scotland in Peebles. The Olympian is passionate about the environment and switched his track bike for an e-bike to show the range of low-carbon choices available to Scots

The first round of the Green Economy Fund’s project funding saw 12 green projects receive investment – including a microhydro project at Edinburgh’s Saughton Park, Community EV Car Clubs in Southern Scotland, an app to locate active electric vehicle charge points and a new STEM hub at Dumfries & Galloway College.

The second round of funding was announced this month, with a further 21 Scottish projects receiving a share of £10million to help them pursue green ambitions. At SP Energy Networks, we are awarding a range of innovative projects from e-bike hire schemes and electric bin lorries, through to a micro heat network and community hydropower station.

We share the Scottish Government’s vision of making a cleaner, greener Scotland by

Scotland has always been a nation of innovators. One of the exciting projects being funded by SP Energy Networks through the Green Economy Fund is a cycling charity called SoulRiders based in Pollokshields.

Thanks to funding from the Green Economy Fund, the charity is rolling out a fleet of e-cargo bikes across Glasgow. It will become Scotland’s first integrated e-cargo bike delivery and waste service.

Rashid Khaliq, Chief Executive, SoulRiders, said: “At SoulRiders, our aim has always been to create stronger communities through cycling. Thanks to funding from the Green Economy Fund, we are now able to launch our new e-cargo bike service. We believe our project will reduce the number of vans and lorries on our streets and provides a solution to many issues including traffic and pollution in cities. We are proud to play our part in Scotland’s thriving green economy and to be receiving this crucial support from SP Energy Networks.”

Business Scotland

52

accelerating our green economy to deliver a better future, quicker for our customers and communities.

For more information, visit the Green Economy Fund website: www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/gef

Other innovative projects being supported by the Green Economy Fund include: E-Bike hire schemes in Edinburgh and Forth Valley STEM Hub at Forth Valley College and Energy Efficiency Training Network at Dundee & Angus College Zero Emission buses and the electrification of community transport vehicles E-cargo bike: design, development and implementation Low-carbon renovations at community hubs Replacement of diesel bin lorries with electric refuse collection vehicles Battery installation at off-gas homes, creating a ‘virtual power plant’ Hydro-electric scheme to power rural communities

We’re delivering a £100m innovation programme to drive the UK’s low carbon energy transition

Better future, quicker

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

WannaCry and the challenge of cyber security Between October 2016 and the end of 2017, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recorded 34 significant cyber-attacks, so large they needed a cross-government response.

762 further attacks were experienced by single organisations. Those are eye-watering statistics, but, in our increasingly connected workplaces, it’s likely these numbers are only going to grow. At Dacoll, security is always front of our minds, as it should be in every organisation. For a business like ours, that means our provision of IT managed services must also include first-line defence against cyber-attack.

The WannaCry experience The most disruptive cyber-attack of 20162017 was WannaCry, which could feasibly have brought the NHS to its knees. Although an IT managed service provider, Dacoll’s responsibility to its NHS customer base is primarily resource-based and often used to maintain legacy ICT equipment. Given the nature of the incidents, the company soon found itself inextricably involved in getting these customers back on track.

On an ordinary Friday afternoon in May 2017, our service desk received a high priority call from one NHS customer advising of virus attack. Then, another. By just the third call it was evident that something was seriously wrong. Through we were not responsible for

Business Scotland

54

the cyber-security of the affected estates, it was clear that no business could stand by and watch in the face of such a critical event. Dacoll’s major incident protocol was invoked. The first meeting brought together key staff from all areas of the business. They met hourly thereafter and throughout the weekend.

Unsure of where the virus had come from, Dacoll’s first action was to check our other customers and ensure that all were secure and protected. Each one was then given full advice on what to do if they suspected an attack. It was vital that Dacoll’s core 24/7/365 Business As Usual Service was unaffected, despite crisis elsewhere. Failovers, patching, reboots; all housekeeping duties were completed with precision to ensure no further exposure.

At the same time, remote support tools immediately carried out vital work at the affected NHS sites. In tandem, engineers were deployed to sites where remote access wasn’t possible. Dedicated teams worked throughout the weekend. By Monday morning, the customers we had stepped in to help through the crisis were back up and

running. Our efforts above and beyond our responsibilities were applauded by many, and, though we may not have made the headlines, the incidents certainly did.

Every business must be vigilant The WannaCry attack was all over the news, and remains the most disruptive attack the UK has experienced in recent years. What it taught us is that every business, no matter how large or small, must make security a top priority at every desk, at every office, and every location. Simply hoping old equipment could “just run another year” has increasing major security risks beyond simple hardware failure that are important to understand.

Further, it compels all businesses to judge very carefully when choosing its suppliers.

Because, when cyber-attack hits, we’re all in it together.

Provided by www.dacollgroup.co.uk sales@dacoll.co.uk

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

West Lothian Chamber Supports Global Business A main priority for West Lothian Chamber of Commerce in recent years has been to bring exposure to the benefit of entering new markets, facilitating businesses expanding and helping to create business links globally.

Through two very successful outward Trade Missions to Dublin and Donegal in 2018 followed by a Inward Trade mission to West Lothian in April 2019 we are confident strong links have been formed to encouraging business engagement between Ireland and Scotland and this can be showcased through our members.

With such a triumphant outcome for each trade mission, it proves that working in collaboration can be highly beneficial and West Lothian Chamber of Commerce will continue to work with partners for the benefit of Scottish business delivering more trade missions in the future. One member who played an active part in these trade missions to gain valuable contacts to help them grow globally was Mabbett who are now successfully trading in Ireland.

Scots-Irish Trade Growth for Professional Environment, Energy and Safety Services Our expansion into Republic of Ireland, the story so far…

How did this small environment, safety and engineering firm called Mabbett from Glasgow start to make a mark in Ireland? Over the last 20 years the firm has grown from the initial inward investment from Bostonian Arthur Mabbett from Massachusetts USA to the European base in Glasgow. From Glasgow we opened an office in Belfast, and from Northern Ireland we’ve expanded services to the Irish Republic, which now accounts for 50% of sales in the island of Ireland.

It’s no secret, since 1996, we have grown organically through expansion into new markets, service diversification and growing our client base, primarily manufacturing / engineering clients as well as commercial and public sector organisations. Anyone in business knows this doesn’t happen overnight, and doesn’t happen on its own – the Mabbett team are a team. A team of professionals (we call ourselves “Mabbetteers!)” with the drive to succeed, combined with clients who have ambition to be leaders in their sector, protect and enhance their staff base, reduce company environmental impact and be successful in business.

Proximity to our neighbours in Ireland and Northern Ireland have made the market a natural fit with the Mabbett services.

Clients like SEAI, Bord Bia, manufacturing and commercial sector clients in whiskey, dairy, pharmaceuticals (as a few examples) needing the services Mabbett offer around pollution control, safety advisory, lowcarbon, water and wastewater, energy-

saving consulting and waste/circular economy. But not only consulting, but also auditing, verification and training and upskilling of staff via our IOSH and IEMA courses for health, safety, audit skills for EHS and energy management systems, and environment/sustainability.

Brexit has generated much concern in the marketplace and we are seeing an increase in companies wanting to improve internal staff competence to internalise services.

For the Mabbett leadership team the smart move has been to not only diversity services and bring on local staff, but also to diversify through strategic partnerships, assisted by links through for example the West Lothian Chamber of Commerce and Scottish Development International. These links are invaluable in helping open the doors to new business contacts and networks via hugely successful Trade Missions to Dublin and further afield such as Donegal organised by West Lothian Chamber of Commerce.

Mabbett is a small consultancy of around 40 people, punching above its weight – as a relative unknown party, the company successfully tendered for the Origin Green verification programme with Bord Bia, bringing across a wealth of expertise in food and drink sector project work on compliance, improvement and food and drink waste reduction programmes from many years’ experience in Scotland and Wales. The team have been delighted to be working with Irish food and drink companies at the forefront of sustainability, working to protect revenue from this significant export market for the Irish economy.

This more recent multi-year programme win isn’t the first for Mabbett, as our energy and engineering professionals have undertaken energy-conservation and design services in Ireland through the SEAI since the early 2000’s. The importance of diversity in our business projects and clients has been a focus for the business, with geographic expansion across Scotland, Ireland and most recently the North of England. This has had an additional spin-off benefit for clients, having more local presence, but with access to the wider team in the ‘back office’ of specialists in for example, sustainability, contaminated land, ecology, GIS, noise, air quality, energy, management systems, fire risk assessment for manufacturing processes and occupational hygiene which is simply an amazing resource for clients.

Clients in the UK who have sites across Ireland have benefited from group rates and Framework contracts – where the Mabbett team service the clients across the board,

bringing quality and consistency to the work done for multi-nationals.

As one of our Irish clients says “we are thrilled to have Mabbett on board, and to be discussing project improvements from the years of experience from Scotland”. It takes a generosity and openness of mind to both give and receive such ideas in business – so what is it that makes this work? We think that the close cultural links between Scotland and Ireland – plus speaking the same language for the most part - make these links easy to forge and maintain.

Integrity runs through what Mabbett do, and is one of our founding principles, together with persistence, passion and sustainability (of course). We listen as well as talk, which is key in business in any country.

Today’s access for businesses trading in different currencies is far more accessible, and given the strong Scottish and Irish connection, encouraged by the Scottish and Irish Chambers of Commerce, there is a clear road ahead for further expansion of projects and sales which also creates opportunities for local jobs.

During the coming months and year we look forward to increasing and growing our presence in Ireland. Over the last 23 years, we have learned that a little local knowledge works wonders in helping us to understand the unique challenges that our clients face, meaning that we can more fully meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

We look forward to playing an even more active role in the business community, developing collaborative partnerships with other like-minded businesses and demonstrating our commitment to the island of Ireland. Helping businesses be more efficient, gain and maintain certifications, save money, meet compliance requirements is core to what we do. In these uncertain days of Brexit, to work together on sustainability issues (issues which oftentimes do not heed borders), and perhaps enjoy a wee bit of craic on the way!

If you think your company could benefit from Mabbett services, please get in touch for a no-obligation conversation. For more information on Mabbett (or being a Mabbetteer) visit, www.mabbett.eu Keep in touch with West Lothian Chamber of Commerce to find out more about our International Club and how we are supporting businesses like Mabbett become global businesses by visiting www.wlchamber.com

Business Scotland

55

BUSINESS MENTORING

The benefits of mentoring – a two-way street Mentee

Mentor

Lucas Avery

Kathleen Brogan

Production Operations Director and Scottish Business Mentoring mentee When it was suggested to Lucas Avery that he make use of the opportunities that the Business Mentoring service has to offer he wasn’t sure how beneficial this would be.

He had just started working with a small but fast-growing company within the food and drinks industry. The environment was dynamic and the business had strong demand for their product in a flourishing market When Lucas was introduced to his mentor, he was expecting someone from his sector, who could help him to resolve important issues relevant to the industry.

Instead Lucas was introduced to Kathleen Brogan, MD of Mercat Tours. Kathleen

Business Scotland

56

MD, Mercat Tours

had previously been a participant in the mentoring service as a mentee and as a mentor she proved to be very insightful and a reliable sounding board for Lucas.

Lucas expected his mentoring experience to be more focused on functional aspects of business, such as controlling profit and loss. However, he acknowledged these weren’t real challenges for him. Kathleen’s insights and guidance allowed him to diagnose and solve the more pressing issues that he was having difficulty with within the business. Lucas was struggling to present ideas to two colleagues with very different business styles, and the contrast between how he

was interacting with these people at quite a senior level was obviously a problem that Kathleen saw early on.

She provided reassurance about how to approach boardroom discussions. Lucas highlighted that “the good thing about Kat was that she’d break things down. She allowed me to take a step back and really think about how to deal with these issues”.

Lucas said that Kathleen was adept at aiding him with personnel issues, and able to dispel any doubts he had developed due to the frantic, fast-moving nature of the business. She, in turn, was keen to emphasise that this was a reciprocal process. Kathleen had similar issues working day-to-day and the almost-equal nature of their relationship meant that she was also able to learn about the best way to respond to different colleagues and how to respond constructively to their personalities.

Kathleen was happy, but not surprised to find out about this reciprocity, as she

BUSINESS MENTORING

had experienced the benefits of being mentored herself and had found the service to be effective in shaping her own business experience. “As Lucas was talking through issues, they were chiming with my own experiences in the workplace that had either worked or hadn’t worked. These situations will always come around again, so it was totally mutual.” They developed a friendship that allowed them to be honest with each other and this helped Lucas reach an understanding about how to make the most of his situation. “It was organic, we’d just meet and have a blether. It wasn’t formal or too structured.”

Kathleen highlighted that some of the discussions she had with Lucas mirrored those she had during her own experience as a mentee particularly around people management and, like Lucas, she had issues trusting herself and her instincts.

Mentoring brings in an experienced individual to reassure you and allow you to make the most of your business talents.

“Within three or four sessions I identified an action that I clearly had to take – I just didn’t realise that I’d been talking about it”.

Kathleen’s mentoring journey has shown the value that both mentees and mentors can get from the service. He had the talent and the knowledge, but through Kathleen’s mentorship Lucas was able to unlock this potential and achieve the outcomes he needed. Their friendship and the mutual business and personal development outcomes were unexpected benefits of the mentoring service for Kathleen and Lucas, but it encompasses what the programme is about. Kathleen and Lucas developed their management skills in ways that will be beneficial for years to come.

As Lucas was talking through issues, they were chiming with my own experiences in the workplace that had either worked or hadn’t worked. These situations will always come around again, so it was totally mutual. It was organic, we’d just meet and have a blether. It wasn’t formal or too structured.

Business Scotland

57

GRETNA GATEWAY

New Vision, New Village - Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Gretna Gateway has been a firm favourite with customers for designer brands and outlet savings since 1999, welcoming millions of customers from across Scotland and the UK. In the shopping centre’s 20th anniversary year, Gretna Gateway are working to revitalise and restyle the village, creating a destination shopping centre in Dumfries & Galloway. Following on from the Nike stores recent refurbishment, the entire Outlet Village will undergo a complete renovation with New England style timber clad store fronts, new landscaping and an exciting new brand mix.

Just off the M74, Gretna Gateway currently has a selection of designer brand names and high street and dining favourites, welcoming over 2.3 million visitors every year. The centre will look to increase this with a stronger food and beverage offer and a designated event space to enhance customer’s experience and create a destination shopping centre both locals and tourists will enjoy. Gretna Gateway are also looking to maximise on their dogfriendly mall, with a neighbouring dog walk, designated water bowls and the majority of their retailers welcoming dogs through their doors.

Business Scotland

58

Throughout this year’s planned renovations, environment, sustainability and social values remain at the forefront of Gretna Gateway’s mind. After winning a Green Apple Gold Award in 2018, Gretna Gateway has recently been named Scottish Champions in the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice.

As well as general recycling, Gretna Gateway have introduced Can Crushers and Gum Drops to the mall to involve customers in their recycling efforts. Everything from coffee

cups to cigarette butts is recycled at Gretna Gateway, with the latest initiative being crisp packet recycling. On top of this, Gretna Gateway donate old shop fittings to local charities who can reuse the materials, with only 0.71% of all the centre’s waste going to refuse derived fuel.

2019 brings an exciting year for Gretna Gateway. To keep up to date with all of the latest news and what’s on, visit www.gretnagateway.com

BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Strathclyde Business School takes exporting to the streets The University of Strathclyde was able to play host to a drop-in Hub as part of the Department for International Trade’s exporting roadshow which took place in May. The venue for the Hub which proclaimed that ‘Exporting is Great’ was outside the University’s Technology and Innovation Centre and Inovo Building ahead of the Energy Exports Conference, which took place in Aberdeen on June 18th and 19th.

It was a fitting location given its position in the new Glasgow City Innovation District, launched in February to help collaboration between academia, business and industry in order to bring competitive advantage to Scotland.

The aim of the hub was to highlight exporting opportunities for companies in the energy sector and was visited

by Dr Liam Fox MP, Secretary of State for International Trade. He spoke to representatives from local businesses about the importance and opportunities of the UK supply chain exporting its products and expertise to global markets.

The reason behind Glasgow City Innovation District being selected as the location for the Hub was that it is home to a wide range of organisations working in the energy sector including: the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Advanced

Nuclear Research Centre, The Weir Group, Energy Technology Partnership, Renewables Consultancy Group, Smartest Energy, ARBNCO, Electricity Supply Board, Centre for Energy Policy, Institute for Energy and Environment, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Power Networks & Smart Grids, Centre for Ground Engineering & Energy Geosciences, Energy Systems Research Unit, Scottish Power Advanced Research Centre.

The University of Strathclyde is home to one of the largest energy research clusters in Europe and brings together research from across disciplines to address the many energy challenges of the 21st century.

Adrian Gillespie, Chief Commercial Officer for the University of Strathclyde, said: “Glasgow and Scotland boast huge strengths in the energy sector, particularly in offshore energy, with the University of Strathclyde playing a leading role in advancing the energy systems of the future.

The purpose of the Innovation District is to

transform the way academia, business and industry collaborate to bring competitive advantage to Scotland by bringing together researchers and high-growth firms with technology and creative start-ups, to work side-by-side in a vibrant, walkable innovation community.

The District is the result of a successful partnership between Glasgow City Council, the University of Strathclyde, Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurial Scotland, and brings together ambitious, forwardthinking people focused on tackling societal and global challenges and driving inclusive economic growth.

The Energy Exports Conference was co-hosted by Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise alongside organising partners Energy Industries Council, Department for International Trade, Oil & Gas Authority, Oil & Gas UK, Opportunity North East and UK Export Finance. The event was also supported by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), Decom North Sea and Subsea UK.

Glasgow and Scotland boast huge strengths in the energy sector, particularly in offshore energy, with the University of Strathclyde playing a leading role in advancing the energy systems of the future.

Business Scotland

59

BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

ScotRail focuses on accessibility with new measures ScotRail announced in May that it has taken further steps to improve journeys for passengers with two major improvements to make every day trips easier.

The news that Scotland’s rail operator will provide frontline mental health training to staff was followed by the launch of a new app to aid deaf customers travelling on ScotRail

It’s great to see the action that ScotRail are taking to give their staff the confidence and knowledge to have open and supportive conversations on mental health.

Business Scotland

60

services, in news that will be appreciated by travellers the length and breadth of the country.

More than 50 ScotRail staff will receive the mental health first aid training, which will allow them to provide guidance and signpost support services to anyone who is experiencing problems. The training will involve fully-accredited NHS material and will help staff to identify someone who is developing a mental health issue and then guide them to the relevant service.

In response to the announcement ScotRail’s Occupational Health Manager Nadya Kuhl said that “we know the importance of engaging and identifying the signs of someone in need of support, and how critical this can be to helping with treatment, and ultimately saving lives”. Tom Scott, an Equality Consultant at ‘See Me’ which is aiming to end mental health discrimination, said that “It’s great to see the action that ScotRail are taking to give their staff the confidence and knowledge to have open and supportive conversations on mental health.”

This was then followed by the roll out of a ground breaking new app called InterpreterNow to support travellers who are deaf or have hearing difficulties as they make their way around Scotland’s railways.

The pioneering app is designed to allow ScotRail to aid deaf customers in any part of their journey, from information on trains during time of disruption to customer queries at stations or ticket offices.

Customers will sign to an interpreter via the app through a video call, who will then relay the customer query to the member of ScotRail staff. The interpreter will then be able to sign the answer back to the customer.

Andy Irvine, Cheap Operations Director (Scotland) at InterpreterNow said he was delighted with the collaboration, emphasising how important it was for passengers to be comfortable communicating over the course of ScotRail journeys: “Just knowing that access in your own language is available throughout your journey is not far off ground-breaking.”

The collaboration was supported by Janis McDonald from Deafscotland, who encouraged British Sign Language users to register and take advantage of the service, saying that “we see the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 promoting and supporting British Sign Language development as well as ScotRail’s actions as a huge step towards access and integration through travel.”

Unique Courses DISCOVER DIVERSITY IN DUNDEE

almcollege.org.uk

Independent College of Higher Education Dundee, Scotland

• • • • •

Arabic Language Business Islamic Banking & Finance Islamic Studies Management & Leadership

All of our courses are fully SCQF credit-rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)

Apply now online at

almcollege.org.uk

Discover Diversity in Dundee DISCOVER DIVERSITY IN DUNDEE

almcollege.org.uk

Follow us on social media

Study at Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education Discover Dundee

Why Al-Maktoum College?

Dundee is situated one hour north of Edinburgh and was named the ‘Best Place to live in Scotland’ by the Sunday Times 2019. The £80 million V&A Museum of Design, part of a billion pound waterfront development, has become a major attraction, drawing national and international attention.

Established in 2001, the College’s vision for high-quality teaching and learning, enriched by a multicultural perspective, makes for a rewarding education experience.

Named the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design, Dundee has received prestigious recognition for the contribution the city has made to design and innovation.

Its goal to build bridges between communities through intellectual debate, and the promotion of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies has resulted in a diverse, friendly and international approach to teaching and studying. This approach makes the College a somewhat unique establishment in Scotland and the UK today.

Referred to as Scotland’s sunniest city, it is the fourth largest city in the country and is home to around 147,000 people. As we all Al-Maktoum College, there are two universities- Dundee & Abertay- making the city a heavily student populated area, with as many as 45,000 students during term time.

The College campus provides everything you need to make your time as a student as enjoyable and stress- free as possible. Ideally located within walking distance of Dundee student accommodation, shopping centres, supermarkets, public transport and much more, the College is very much at the heart of the City.

Dundee is a flourishing and renowned centre for life sciences, computer games, research, the arts, business, education, hi-tech manufacturing, telecommunications as well as tourism, and enjoys a thriving cultural scene.

The College focuses on lifelong learning through academic, technical and customised programmesrecognised by the SQA and QAA. These qualifications can enhance individuals applications for employment as well as continued study at university level.

The College is in a unique position to help individuals looking to expand their prospects, make a career change, or to progress on to further academic qualifications.

Discover Courses

Apply now for September 2019 ABERDEEN

DUNDEE

Open to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities, we offer specialist courses in: • Arabic Language • Business • Islamic Studies

• Islamic Banking & Finance • Management & Leadership

Introducing Masters Programmes

The College in collaboration with University of Dundee, are pleased to announce the launch of three unique Masters programmes in Islamic Finance; Islamic Banking and Finance; and Islamic Banking, Finance and International Business. Full information at: almcollege.org.uk/study/courses/islamic-bankingfinance

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

BELFAST

DUBLIN

MANCHESTER

CARDIFF

LONDON

Fees & Funding

Information on fees can be found here: almcollege.org.uk/study/fees There are also a range of scholarships and bursaries available: almcollege.org.uk/study/available-bursaries

Apply now for September 2019 Apply online:

almcollege.org.uk/study/how-to-apply

Discover More online at

almcollege.org.uk

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

You never stop learning

Diana Gallego Marín was looking to build a new future when she took the decision to study for an MBA. Here, Diana explains how the course brought about a step change in her career and why it’s crucial to remain curious in business.

“I first visited the UK on a student exchange trip and I’d wanted to return ever since, so once I’d set my mind on doing an MBA, the UK was always going to be my destination of choice.

“I grew up in Bogotá, Colombia and studied to be an industrial engineer at Pontifica Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá. The course was broad in its focus and covered all facets of business, as well as the technical aspects of being an engineer.

“After graduating and my internship, I joined the oil and gas industry – but after five years working for the same company, I knew it was time for a change.

“Moving between the different streams of the oil industry can be difficult, but I decided I wanted a different future. This is when the idea of undertaking an MBA took root and I began to look at my options.

“To anyone considering studying an MBA, I would say: do your research. It wasn’t a

Business Scotland

64

decision I took lightly, it is an investment for life. I spent around 18 months looking at various courses and universities before I made my choice.

“I considered many MBAs in the UK and the University of Glasgow came out top for a number of reasons. Dating back to 1451, it’s one of the oldest universities in the Englishspeaking world and this history appealed to me, whilst the direct links of the Business School to Adam Smith was also a huge attraction.

“Glasgow has a particularly strong track record of delivering MBAs, it’s a wellestablished course which is internationally recognised. In fact, whilst I was studying at the Adam Smith Business School, celebrations were held to mark the fortieth anniversary of the programme.

“Another factor that marks Glasgow out from other universities is the deliberately small and diverse cohort of students accepted on the course. This is a striking difference to

some universities where you’ll find hundreds of students accepted on the MBA each year.

“The small intake means you receive a lot of 1-2-1 mentoring, teaching and support which is of enormous value, including highly practical help like writing your CV. The staff are genuinely interested in your career ambitions and in helping you to achieve them.

“The small cohort also means ‌classes are interactive. With a good balance of tuition and discussion, there is more opportunity for students to participate and have their say than would be the case with a larger intake.

“Great thought is put into who is accepted on the course, so you’ll find people of all ages, backgrounds and professional experience, home and overseas students. It is an exceptionally diverse environment. The international feel of the course has definitely helped me in my career as it broadened my outlook. I’m better equipped to work in a multinational company than before.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Diana Gallego Marín

“One other factor that made Glasgow standout to me was that a mentor early on in my career completed their MBA at the Adam Smith Business School, I was impressed by their knowledge, skills and helpfulness – so this too influenced my choice.

“In addition to the core syllabus, there are a lot of options from which to choose, so you can suit your personal academic and career ambitions, whether they be in a finance, strategy or marketing direction. It was these electives which really brought about a step change in my career, as it enabled me to develop my strategic and marketing skills in addition to my supply chain experience.

“The team-consulting project was also immensely valuable, as it provided us with the opportunity to put theory into practice working on real business scenarios. As the leader of my team it gave me the chance to hone my leadership skills.

“One of the most inspiring moments of my professional career was the opportunity to listen to Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, who was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science by the university. His talk about professional aspirations and business strategy made me even more aware of the importance of remaining curious, of how

we should find new ways to deepen our knowledge, whatever our background or level of expertise. You never stop learning.

In addition, a range of guest speaker and networking events were organised for the MBA students on top of the main course curriculum – all of which were really worthwhile.

since completing the MBA I’ve been based in marketing and sales, working towards finding ways to grow across the value chain. As a commercial analyst, I’ve been supporting the definition of short and long term strategy for commercial performance.

I wouldn’t have been able to make such a significant career change without the MBA.

“Taking a broad perspective is the richness of an MBA. Ultimately they help you to think more strategically, to evaluate and challenge businesses. The MBA has enabled me to analyse businesses from many perspectives, which was perhaps the most valuable thing about the course.

“Glasgow has to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It offers a captivating mix of city living with a huge range of cultural activities on your doorstep, stunning architecture, picturesque green spaces and scenic countryside nearby – all of which make it very special.

“Overall, the MBA enhanced my business acumen and opened the door to new career opportunities. Completing my MBA has enabled me to change the direction of my career. Before the course, almost all of my experience was in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry, but since finishing the MBA, I’ve been working in the downstream or post production sector of the industry, which is a difficult switch to make.

“My early career was almost wholly in supply and procurement making sure all of the materials and equipment were in place to facilitate production and operation, but

“Travelling overseas to study in a country where I wouldn’t be speaking my first language certainly had its challenges, but I found everyone extremely friendly and welcoming. It was such a good experience I never wanted to leave.

“If I was to go back and choose my MBA again, I wouldn’t change a thing, I’d definitely choose Glasgow – it has been one of the best experiences of my life. It opened the doors to new opportunities for me.” gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/ businessadministration

The MBA enhanced my business acumen and opened the door to new career opportunities. Completing my MBA has enabled me to change the direction of my career.

Business Scotland

65

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Data Science Graduate Apprenticeships at Edinburgh Napier University: Helping support an ever-growing skills demand Over the last ten years there has been an explosion in the amount and types of data being shared and collected; data that is full of potentially interesting, important, and valuable information. Until recently however, it has been incredibly difficult and expensive to make sense of much of this data as it is often huge, complicated, and unstructured.

As a result of this there is a huge demand for skills in the emerging field of Data Science.

Data Science is a multi-disciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data.

A prime example of the increased skills demand locally is the current recruitment drive by Lloyds Banking Group for Data Scientists as part of the creation of 500 highly-skilled jobs at their new digital tech hub in Edinburgh. However, there is currently a shortage of professionals with the required range of knowledge and skills, with many Scottish businesses facing recruitment challenges. This is where Edinburgh Napier University’s Graduate Apprenticeship in BSc (Hons) Data Science comes in!

Graduate Apprenticeships are an exciting and growing opportunity for people to study for an honours degree while in fulltime, paid employment. Edinburgh Napier University were this year awarded more than double the number of funded places on offer from 90 last year to 185 for September 2019, offering courses in IT, Engineering and Business.

Developed by Skills Development Scotland with support from the European Social Fund, Graduate Apprenticeships bridge skills gaps in key areas of Scottish business.

Anyone over the age of 16 living in Scotland is eligible, and there are no course fees to pay for apprentices or employers.

Businesses of any size can benefit from Graduate Apprenticeships, with the university currently partnering with a wide range of employers: from micro-SMEs to international organisations and public sector bodies.

Launching in September 2019, the BSc (Hons) Data Science Graduate Apprenticeship at Edinburgh Napier University offers a day release experience.

Participants spend one day a week in the classroom at university and four days a week at work in a relevant role. This method of delivery allows apprentices to continually bring new skills and knowledge into their job as they progress through the degree, while employers benefit from bridging key

Business Scotland

66

skills gaps while growing their own talent pool. What apprentices learn in university is embedded into their work, and what they do in work counts towards their degree through work-based learning modules that are tailored to their individual role.

The Data Science Graduate Apprenticeship at Edinburgh Napier delivers a holistic learning experience. Dr Thomas Methven, Senior Lecturer and programme lead for the Data Science GA, said: “this field excites me because it is so interdisciplinary. A good Data Scientist needs skills in computer science, statistics, and graphic design to manipulate, make sense of, and visualise data in an understandable way. This mix of skills is not one historically commonly taught, but is one that business and government are increasingly recognising as important. Indeed, Data Science is a core part of Scotland’s Data-Driven Innovation initiative, and large companies the world over are creating dedicated positions to hopefully gain new insights into their data. I believe that this concerted drive, combined with the growth and new funding for research in exciting sub-areas like Explainable AI, means that Data Science will continue to have a huge and important impact for the foreseeable future.”

John Pagliuca, Senior Vice President at SolarWinds MSP, has worked closely with Edinburgh Napier and sees a clear benefit to his organisation from their involvement in the Graduate Apprenticeship programme.

He said, “The whole industry needs to address the skills gap, and we are proud to play an active role in helping to do so. If businesses want to recruit from a pool of excellent candidates, they need to be a part of creating that pool – this is exactly what our apprenticeship programme does”.

Fully funded places are still available at Edinburgh Napier University for the next intake, starting in September, including in Data Science. For more information on available programmes and partnership opportunities, please email ga@napier.ac.uk or visit www.napier.ac.uk/apprenticeships

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Business Scotland

67

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

How Open University Graduate Apprenticeships are developing Scotland’s digital workforce of tomorrow Each year, The Open University (OU) releases its Business Barometer report, which investigates the extent and nature of the skills shortage and the effect it is having on organisations of all sizes. The 2018 report found that skills shortages cost Scottish businesses £352 million and 30% of Scottish businesses struggled to recruit due to a shortage of IT skills in applicants.

The OU has a strong heritage and pedigree in work-based learning. It works with employers to understand their business challenges and provide outstanding learning and development solutions.

Graduate Apprenticeships are a key part of the OU’s mission in Scotland and are helping to fill skills gaps by upskilling and reskilling employees to future-proof success for Scottish employers. IT and Digital Graduate Apprenticeships are work-based higher education programmes available to new and existing employees aged 16 years old and above who live and work in Scotland. They are delivered flexibly to fit around needs of employers. The programmes are scalable for consistent training across multiple sites Scotland-wide and provide high quality work-based learning, to allow apprentices to make an immediate impact in the workplace.

“The skills of the future, in terms of the digital economy, mean that we are going to need people who can code, we’re going to need people who are experts in cyber security, and we’re going to need people who can manage that business,” said Marie Hendry, Depute Director, The Open University in Scotland.

“Businesses need their employees to be digitally skilled and Graduate

Business Scotland

68

Apprenticeships really solve that problem for them, because they enable apprentices to earn while they learn.

“But uniquely, with The Open University, they don’t have to travel to a campus to do it because our Graduate Apprenticeships are wholly online. So it means that apprentices can take the learning and employ it in the workplace immediately.”

Graduate Apprenticeships on offer include both a BSc (Honours) and MSc in Cyber Security and BSc (Honours) qualifications in IT: Software Development and IT: Management for Business. Places are fully funded by Skills Development Scotland.

Janet Hughes Staff Tutor (Computing and Communications) at the OU said: “An apprentice can not only become a graduate, but could also be recognised as a Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP).

In other words, recognised as a working professional as well as a graduate.”

The OU works closely with employers to ensure its Apprenticeships are providing effective learning to help apprentices make an immediate impact in the workplace.

The Scottish Ambulance Service has been involved in the development of the OU’s Graduate Apprenticeships programmes.

John Baker, ICT General Manager, Scottish Ambulance Service said: “This has given us first-hand experience of the OU’s proactive approach to employer engagement in relation to curriculum design and development, and their commitment to creating staff learning and development opportunities that meet the needs of industry, which are also responsive to skills shortages and align with Scottish Government priorities.”

For more information on Open University Graduate Apprenticeships in Scotland please visit: openuniversity.co.uk/skills-gapscotland The Open University’s 2019 Bridging the Digital Divide report highlights the extent of digital skills gaps and the impact they are having on organisations and their employees. open.ac.uk/business/apprenticeships/blog/ bridging-the-digital-divide

In 2018, skills shortages cost Scottish businesses £352 million and 30% of Scottish businesses struggled to recruit due to a shortage of IT skills in applicants The Open University’s 2018 Business Barometer

Develop a team with the right mix of business skills and technical expertise to drive your business forward with our BSc (Honours) IT: Management for Business (Graduate Apprenticeship).

We also offer: • BSc (Honours) Cyber Security (Graduate Apprenticeship) • BSc (Honours) IT: Software Development (Graduate Apprenticeship) • MSc in Cyber Security (Graduate Apprenticeship) Fully-funded places are available for Autumn 2019 starts. Apply now.

openuniversity.co.uk/skills-gap-scotland

Graduate Apprenticeships have been developed by the national skills agency, Skills Development Scotland, in partnership with employers, universities and colleges.

The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).

The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. © 2019 The Open University.

MAXIMISE YOUR POTENTIAL

MBA STUDY at RGU We offer two internationally recognised and industry connected MBA Programmes, a general MBA and a specialist MBA in Oil and Gas Management.

Both degrees are highly applied and practice-driven to hone your skills and support your career development.

You’ll participate in our acclaimed Leadership Week event, take control

of a business in an online simulation, and apply your learning in a Consultancy Project to bring value for a client organisation.

Our study modes include full-time, part-time, on campus or online, so you can gain your MBA alongside your career.

Join us in September 2019.

Apply at www.rgu.ac.uk/mba

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Newtyne: The Next Generation of Data Expertise Bringing together the best new talent in data with business.

Employing high-performing permanent staff can be a long and daunting process.

Many employers face choosing between expensive, acknowledged industry experts, and candidates who are less technically proficient who often require costly training in order to fit their needs.

The Newtyne Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Academy is designed specifically to deal with these challenges.

The Academy was established in 2012 and is an integrated consultancy and training programme designed to provide businesses with a skilled pool of accredited resource immediately able to add value. Initially, the Academy offered learning in the language of SAS, but over the years has developed to respond to the wider demands of the ever-changing technology landscape. The Academy now includes other technologies such as Python, R and SQL which dominate the Data Science community.

Individuals are given the opportunity to learn important life-long transferable skills through our industry leading ‘Business Fundamentals’ course. This is a blended learning solution delivering an interactive programme covering skills such as time management, communication, and assertiveness, plus good email and meetings protocols. This is in addition to usual compliance training in Display Screen Equipment, Office Health & Safety and GDPR. Simon Wallis, Head of People and Development at Newtyne said: “It is well reported that increased use of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is automating business processes around the world, and it is even estimated that AI could take over a third of British jobs by 2030. However, at Newtyne we pride ourselves in being ‘a people business’, despite working within the tech industry. Creative thinking, relationship building as well as key and enduring soft skills are still integral to an organisation’s success.”

Through the Academy programme, participants become ‘technology-enabled’, and are able to respond to the wide and varying demands of businesses, maintaining a clear understanding of data and analysis which can then be nurtured and developed to suit each individual business’s requirements.

The programme involves sourcing individuals and delivering a robust and well-structured onboarding process, followed by a fully comprehensive learning programme.

At the end of the placement, the host business has the choice of: Transferring their Academy graduate to the business permanently.

Extending the placement.

Ceasing the placement.

The Academy offers continuous learning and improvement for individuals throughout their 52-week placement, with weekly and quarterly reviews, evening learning sessions and other opportunities to continually upskill.

The Newtyne Academy approach provides businesses with the confidence and security of obtaining employees with the right skills whilst simultaneously being able to plan for the future. At Newtyne, we mitigate any risks and take away the pain associated with finding skilled resources of the calibre required.

Results: Graduates of the Newtyne Academy are immediately productive resources, adding value to a team.

Skills: Graduates are fully trained and sufficiently skilled to sit SAS Certified Base Programmer accreditation. For those requiring a more statistically minded Data Scientist we cover the learning required for the SAS Statistical Business Analyst: Modelling and Regression certification too.

Contribution: Graduates are able to provide an accelerated contribution to the business throughout their year of placement.

As part of the screening process, Newtyne provides industry standard PES (preemployment screening), which includes the likes of credit, Disclosure Scotland and reference checks. We also provide an assessment day and panel interview with reviews. Once training is complete, individuals are deployed into the host business for a fixed term, typically for one year. At the end of the engagement, the host business has a free, no obligation option to transfer the Newtyne Academy graduate to their permanent headcount.

Newtyne’s Academy Account Manager, Hayley Skipworth said: “Since its inception, Newtyne has successfully placed close to 100 graduates in a range of sectors, including telecoms, banking, life assurance, as well as teams and departments such as fraud, credit risk and actuarial services.

“We also work with Scotland’s top universities to source our candidates, taking on those with degrees in science, philosophy, engineering, mathematics, statistics – and even music technology.

If you are interested in finding out more about how the Newtyne Academy could support your business, contact us on academy@newtyne.com.”

While some learning programmes offer training with no guarantee of a role upon completion, or fail to remunerate those taking part, the Newtyne Academy ensures both. Being selected for the academy provides a unique opportunity for numerate data savvy grads to kickstart their career in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics.

In short, the Newtyne Academy aims to deliver technically competent, emotionally intelligent ‘business-ready’ graduates who can start adding to an organisation’s capability immediately. www.newtyne.com

Planning: This also enables flexibility in managing resources.

Business Scotland

71

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Building Scotland’s future today The pace of change and degree of uncertainty in today’s economy is unsurpassed. In these unprecedented times, we’re seeing a shift in the definition of economic success.

By Steve Dunlop Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise

Throughout the world, nations are seeking not only to create wealth, but also to ensure this wealth is distributed more evenly, so that everyone can have their share of success and happiness.

As Scotland’s national economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise echoes this sentiment. We firmly believe that all growth must be inclusive, and our mission is to make a lasting and positive impact that delivers real and enduring benefits for all our people and communities.

We’ve served Scotland well in recent years, securing our reputation as a location of choice for inward investors and growing exports in lucrative markets. We’ve also helped build home-grown successes in fields such as fintech and robotics.

But Scotland, along with many developed countries, still struggles with an uneven spread of economic success. Deprivation and affluence all too often sit side by side, with low employment and stunted businesses growth in some parts of Scotland. In fact, despite all our strengths and comparative

Business Scotland

72

advantages, we’re still ranked 21st of the 36 OECD countries for income equality.

These challenges, alongside a complex global economy and the unknown impacts of Brexit, automation and an ageing population, mean that more of the same economic development will, at best, deliver more of the same outcomes – and inequalities will likely remain.

We need to take a new approach, one that taps into Scotland’s past to build a brighter future today – because we don’t just want to navigate these stormy waters – we want to emerge on the other side a thriving nation with a vibrant and fair economy And there’s much to build upon. Although small in stature, Scotland is one of the original industrial powerhouses and has always packed an impressive punch economically. We’re a nation of thinkers and innovators, with inventions and ideas that have provided the foundation for much of the modern world – from whisky, shipbuilding and penicillin, to the television, jet engines and nano-satellites.

Scotland still makes a big impact today.

Our reputation is growing as a place to do business, not just because of our rich skills, talent and resources, but because we’re innovative, progressive, welcoming and dynamic.

Businesses of every size – from homegrown ones to those that chose to locate here – all recognise the opportunity to be part of a growing economy that does things differently, to contribute to sustainability, equality and wellbeing, to give something back, be kind and do good.

We’re proud to stand with these companies, and we need to be as entrepreneurial as the people and businesses we support – moving quickly, questioning how things are done and taking bold decisions.

Of course, we recognise that we cannot do this alone. It’s essential that we work with others – most notably our fellow enterprise and skills agencies and the business community – to build a better, fairer future for all. Together, I firmly believe we can deliver the conditions for growth, build business resilience, nurture and inspire ambition and create more, quality jobs to support Scottish families.

We want all of Scotland’s children, and their children, to have the future they deserve. A future where every community, every family, and every individual benefits from economic success.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Building global ambition in Scottish based businesses Scottish companies will be helped to trade internationally with up to £2 million in investment, over three years, as part of the Scottish Government’s export growth plan. businesses in Scotland). The second section being the higher value existing exporters (from the 11K businesses in Scotland already exporting).

The Scottish Government will work with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to develop a programme of activity, including trade missions, which will help to exploit opportunities in international markets.

2. To grow the number of Inward Trade Missions to the City of Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is developing a programme of international trade missions to potential markets of interest and we would like your help in shaping this programme so that we can tailor it to meet your needs over the forthcoming 3 years.

Please get in touch with the international@ edinburghchamber.co.uk should you like to provide recommendations on potential new markets that might be of interest to your business.

Calendar of forthcoming Outward Trade Missions to priority markets: Ireland, Dublin– Cross-sector visit France, Paris - Food and Drink sector visit Canada, Toronto, - Cross-sector visit Germany Spain USA Netherlands Benelux To further position Edinburgh as the UK’s most vibrant and productive city with strong investment potential, the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce (ECC) is setting out its ‘International Strategy’ to promote bilateral trade and investment to the city from overseas.

As well as our national reach, we maintain strong relationships with other Chambers of Commerce throughout mainland Europe as well as further overseas. As Brexit extensions and negotiations continue, the ECC can use their enviable international network and relationships to inform local businesses on trade opportunities, to support them with their international growth strategies and to connect them with global markets.

ECC has identified 3 principal aims for delivering this ambition: 1. To deliver high impact Outward Trade Missions for local Scottish businesses ECC has targeted two sections of Scottish businesses; new exporters and existing exporters (a proportion of the 110K

There is an opportunity for ECC to support the City of Edinburgh’s civic, economic and business community further to make connections, engage with overseas counterparts and line up opportunities for business and investment. As a Capital City Chamber and with the uncertainty of Brexit, ECC sees its role in attracting more Inward Trade Missions to the city as becoming more important. ECC is well positioned to support the City of Edinburgh Council to host more Inward Trade Delegations. As a city with ever increasing international connections, Edinburgh is well served by its longstanding and growing Consular Corps.

3. To seek closer collaboration with trade organisations ECC will seek to work closer with other trade organisations, particularly within the organisations that represent the key sectors in Edinburgh and the surrounding area such as Finance, Technology, Fintech, Creative Industries, Life Sciences and Food and Drink sector.

For any questions please contact Alexia Haramis, Head of Corporate and International Development alexia.haramis@edinburghchamber.co.uk

Business Scotland

73

UNIQUE VENUES

Give your event the wow factor

Versatile venue in a central location Looking for a venue in Glasgow? Then look no further than EVH in Sauchiehall Street. Situated in an iconic building designed by muchloved architects Honeyman, Keppie & Mackintosh, EVH has recently been refurbished.

An inviting space with a flexible layout, Betty’s Room caters for up to 50 people seated theatre style, leaving ample space for refreshments or a breakout area. The light, airy ambience, reflects the venue’s origins as a photographer’s studio, making it a particularly congenial venue for a corporate event.

Whilst the Green Room provides an additional meeting room, perfect for groups of up to 10 people seated boardroom style.

Both rooms have recently been redecorated, with the AV and conferencing facilities upgraded in the Green Room too. Eminently versatile, Betty’s Room and the Green Room may be booked together or separately, with or without catering, with all dietary requirements met.

EVH is a non-profit organisation supporting social employers, with their strong corporate and social responsibility reflected in all aspects of their work. Fair, transparent charges mean you won’t face any hidden extras and as these fees haven’t changed for quite a few years, EVH represents a surprisingly affordable venue in Glasgow City Centre.

Queen Street and Glasgow Central Stations are a ten-minute walk away, whilst a number of additional subway stations, bus stops and car parks are nearby too.

To book EVH for your event, call 0141 352 7435 or email contactus@evh.org.uk, quoting ‘Business Scotland’. EVH, 5th Floor, 137 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3EW. www.evh.org.uk

Business Scotland

74

Glasgow Science Centre’s huge screen and 370-capacity luxury auditorium is perfect for major film premieres, product launches, conferences and awards ceremonies.

Our IMAX will be sure to “wow” your guests with a state of the art sound system, projector and built in stage that brings multimedia presentations to life. We have a sound and vision expert onsite who provides support throughout your entire event.

Light the room and external building with your corporate colours to make it truly unique and use our impressive outdoor LED screen to give your guests a striking first impression. We can also help create content and imagery that will increase visibility and add excitement to any event.

The Atrium, located next to the IMAX, is a versatile space that can be utilized for standing receptions for up to 650 guests and 38 exhibition stands to go along with your IMAX event.

The Link building connecting the IMAX and The Atrium will be home to your welcome desk. Located close the main entrance, your guests will easily find where to register.

Our fantastic in-house operations, catering, marketing and AV teams will be on-site throughout to support you during the entire event process. www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

Bringing people together Desk@theD is an Aberdeen based social enterprise set up by the Aberdeen Day Project charity.

Our vision is to develop a dynamic, quality Coworking community where people can share their values, ideas and space.

Desk@theD provides a professional venue with ample desk space for laptop-based working, as well as several meeting and activity rooms to meet all needs. Our meeting and training rooms come in a range of sizes suitable for anything from one to ones and board meetings, to group workshops and training days. Our packages and rates are flexible too, so whether you need a desk or room for an hour, a day, once a week or several times a month, we can help find what’s right for you.

Our objective is to create an environment that is happier, engaging and more productive for all.

Entrepreneurs, remote workers and independent professionals, if you’re searching for a space with strong networking opportunities, and exposure to innovate companies, products and services. Come join the collective experience and see how it can benefit you and your business.

Good Coworking spaces provide stability, build community and generate business opportunities for members and that’s what we are aiming for at Desk@theD. It aspires to be a creative, collaborative, flexible and joyful space for independent workers of every industry.

Why not come try it for yourself? Everyone is welcome! All you need is a laptop and a Coworking spirit!

Bon Accord House, Riverside Drive, Aberdeen, AB11 7SL 1224 608992 mail@deskatthed.com www.deskatthed.com

UNIQUE VENUES

Corporate, but not as you know it: Meetings & Events at the Palm Court Hotel Whatever your occasion, The Palm Court Hotel is an excellent and versatile venue which has, over the years, built a reputation for delivering consistently great levels of service for corporate clients. Independently owned and operated, the Palm Court offers a whole host of most welcome amenities, including plentiful free parking, flexible layouts with breakout space, and great preferential accommodation rates. With an award winning Sales & Events team on hand and based in venue, clients are guaranteed a hands on, personal service.

Their newly revamped Day Delegate Rates and packages offer great selections on lighter bites and reflect the seasonal nature of their daily market menus. Clients have the option of adding several bolt on packages to customise their event, including the Early Bird, which includes freshly squeezed juice, individually serve yogurt & granola pots, and hearty breakfast rolls. For the more health conscious bookers, the venue also offer smoothies, fruit kebabs and protein packed platters.

Reasons to choose The Palm Court: Close to all major transport links Free onsite car parking Flexible all-inclusive daily delegate rates Seasonal menus including buffet and canape selectors

The perfect place to meet House for an Art Lover was designed

by Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh as part of a German design competition in 1901, construction began in 1989 and was completed in 1996.

The house is set in the grounds of Glasgow’s stunning Bellahouston Park, and combines an art gallery, studio and exhibition spaces, wedding and events venue, café, shop and visitor attraction into one unique and inspiring venue.

The distinctive designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh provide an event backdrop unlike anything else in the city, the art deco style offers a truly spectacular space to host a meeting or event.

The venue has 3 floors of possibilities, accommodating everything from an intimate meeting for 2 right through to a black tie dinner for 120, and everything in between.

House for an Art Lover offers all the character of an historic building but with all of the facilities you would expect of a new one, including WIFI and AV facilities as well as ample free onsite parking, plus great transport links to the motorway.

Our talented team of chefs cook everything from scratch onsite on a daily basis using only the best Scottish produce, including freshly baked afternoon treats, delicious buffet lunches and sumptuous dinner menus.

Onsite printing service

You can expect a friendly professional welcome from the all of the team and can rest assured that your guests will be in capable hands when hosting an event at House for an Art Lover.

Dedicated meeting and events staff

events@houseforanartlover.co.uk

Outdoor Terrace

www.houseforanartlover.co.uk

Complimentary Wifi throughout the hotel State of the art audio/visual equipment

www.palmcourthotel.co.uk

Just Rock Up – The Scottish Event Campus just got a wee bit better The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) is Scotland’s premier integrated events venue, with over 22,000sqm of infinitely flexible space. The venue is based in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and commercial capital.

The Campus comprises of three venues – the SSE Hydro, the SEC Armadillo and the SEC Centre. Between these, there are 20 meeting rooms, five exhibition halls and three purpose-built auditoria seating 624, 3000 and 12,000. The most recent addition to the SEC is the SEC Meeting Academy – a repurposed space on the mezzanine level of the SEC Centre. The new venue offering is suitable for small meetings up to 400 delegates and can be used both as a single space or as an additional breakout for larger meetings.

Situated on the banks of the River Clyde, the SEC is continuously evolving and now boasts over 1,000 hotel rooms on site, with the most recent addition being a Radisson RED hotel with a rooftop bar. At the other end of the campus, you’ll find the new Clydeside Distillery, a thoughtful repurposing of a former dock pumphouse which gives additional hospitality options for organisers.

The SEC benefits significantly from strong cross-city partnerships with organisations including Glasgow Life, Glasgow Convention Bureau and Visit Scotland which ensures delegates always receive a well-rounded, authentic experience in the city. +44 (0)141 275 6232 secmeetingacademy@sec.co.uk sec.co.uk/secmeetingacademy

Business Scotland

75

BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Young people to reap benefit of CalMac’s new Community Fund Ferry operator CalMac is launching a new Community Fund to help boost opportunities for young people in communities up and down the West Coast.

The fund is open to non-profit organisations and applications must be for a project or activities that will benefit children and young people aged 26 and under, living in a mainland port town or island the company serves.

Organisations can apply for £500 to £2000.

CalMac’s Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Brian Fulton said: “The establishment of a Community Fund was a key commitment by the company to help build stronger ties with the communities we support and to have a positive impact on people within them in addition to delivering transport links. I’m delighted we are now in position to reach out for applications.”

“The scope of use for this money is extremely flexible and I’m really looking forward to seeing some creative applications on how it can be used to help positively impact young people’s lives within our communities.”

“We are targeting thirty awards in year one, and will monitor interest levels in the fund over the course of the year, with each application being judged on its own merits.”

CalMac is the UK’s largest ferry operator and last year carried more nearly 5.5 million passengers and 1.4 million vehicles. It services 26 routes to island and remote mainland communities across the

Hebrides and the Clyde with a fleet of 33 vessels.

Community awards will be made across six separate areas by region and will be made in three rounds during the course of the year. Each application will be judged by a screening panel of young people recruited from across the company’s network in partnership with Young Scot.

Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to improving our nation’s ferry services to support economic, social and cultural development of island and remote communities. I welcome CalMac taking

this fund forward, helping building stronger bonds with these areas. I would like to encourage as many organisations as possible to get involved and put forward their innovative and exciting ideas to enhance the lives of young people in the communities CalMac serves.”

Organisations can access an online application form and see full terms and conditions at www.calmac.co.uk/ community-fund.

The first round of applications are being accepted from non-profit organisations based in the Western Isles and Ullapool from March 1.

The Scottish Government is committed to improving our nation’s ferry services to support economic, social and cultural development of island and remote communities.

Business Scotland

76

Weddings • Conferences • Parties • Christmas • Exhibitions For further information please email enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk or give the team a call on 01698 283806

HPRC Prestige Advert 185x120.indd 1

01/07/2019 14:25

Technology and Innovation Centre Our flagship research hub offers flexible, award-winning conference and meeting facilities for up to 600 delegates, all year round.

Located in the heart of Glasgow, we’re within easy reach of transport networks, hotels and the bars and restaurants of the vibrant Merchant City.

on venue hire when you quote

‘ScotCham’*

www.strath.ac.uk/conferencingandevents 0141 553 4148 conferenceglasgow@strath.ac.uk * Offer applies to enquiries made before 31st August 2019, for meetings taking place not later than 31st December 2019.

Business Scotland

77

DIGITAL ECONOMY

Digital economy transformation Scotland’s digital economy has never been more vibrant. From the young high-growth start-up scene, to the digital transformation of the global financial institutions and the pioneering new companies emerging from the health care and energy sectors, digital skills are in growing demand.

This growth is compounded by the ongoing digital transformation of every industry.

The recognition of data as a core asset of every business and the increasing capabilities of machine learning and artificial intelligence, are helping to drive the fourth industrial revolution.

The reality is that every sector is now a digital sector. The evolution of technology is only going to accelerate and, across the board, demand for digitally skilled people is increasing.

This presents companies in Scotland with a huge challenge and a unique opportunity.

As demand for people with technical skills increases, new talent becomes increasingly expensive. One only has to look at Silicon Valley to see how the huge demand - from companies with incredibly deep pockets - can drive competition and salaries to heights unmanageable by any but the global tech giants.

While demand in Scotland has not reached such challenging levels, the need for programmers, data analysts and cyber security specialists (amongst many others) grows.

Business Scotland

78

According to research from ScotlandIS, the trade body for Scotland’s digital industries, the country has almost 13,000 technical vacancies each year.

Supply through the traditional talent pipelines, including Scotland’s excellent universities and the increasingly popular modern apprenticeships programme, cannot fill even 50% of those roles. So where can an ambitious small country turn to find the people it needs to become a more digital society?

Scotland has a pioneer when it comes to helping people gain new digital skills and transform their careers. Established in 2015, CodeClan was created by Skills Development Scotland and ScotlandIS, specifically to help bridge the country’s digital skills gap.

The organisation offers a unique opportunity for people to rapidly gain a new range of digital skills, on top of their existing work experience and soft skills, creating an entirely new way for people to enter the digital industries and to access higher salaries.

Through intensive training programmes, which take only weeks rather than years, CodeClan produces fully-accredited, qualified programmers and data analysts, who can move straight into productive roles across every industry sector.

A growing number of businesses are also now sending existing employees through the CodeClan programmes, in order to retain staff and provide themselves with a more skilled workforce, without the time-consuming expense of recruiting.

With three campuses in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, an increasingly diverse student body and over 750 employable graduates produced in only three years, CodeClan shows that innovation, agility and creative thinking can help to transform careers and innovate Scotland’s digital economy.

CodeClan_

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Ayrshire growth deal will have an incredible impact on this and future generations Ayrshire is renowned for its stunning coastline, sparkling scenery, beautiful beaches and world-class golf courses.

Under the terms of the new Growth Deal, the UK and Scottish Governments will each invest £103 million. This will be supported by South, East and North Ayrshire Councils who will contribute upwards of £45.5m between them.

It has incredible natural resources, a rich industrial heritage and accessible transport links to the whole of the UK. And now, thanks to the Ayrshire Growth Deal, there is the chance to maximise the potential of the area.

The deal should create approximately 7000 jobs across a wide range of sectors. The investment will be delivered over a 15-year period and should also unlock £300m of private investment.

On 8 March 2019, the heads of terms on the Deal were signed, confirming a bumper £251 million worth of investment over the next 10-15 years.

“It’s absolutely massive for Ayrshire,” says Sharon Hodgson, Head of the Ayrshire Growth Deal Programme team.

She adds: “We’ve been given a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity and it’s up to us now to make the most of it. We have to get this right. If we do, it will have an incredible impact on this and future generations.”

Business Scotland

80

Sharon adds: “We all share a vision for Ayrshire to be increasingly vibrant, outward looking, confident, attractive to investors and visitors, and for it to make a major contribution to the growth of Scotland and the wider UK. “Our plans are transformational and ambitious. But they’re also achievable.

“Ayrshire has a lot going for it. The key to getting the Deal right, is capitalising on the many strengths of the area. It’s primed to take advantage of emerging technologies and build on robust sectors already operating in the area.”

The Deal seeks to make Ayrshire the UK’s leading hub for aerospace and space, with around £80m being invested in the sector.

The region – home to a cluster of global companies including BAE Systems, GE Aviation, Spirit, UTC and Woodward – already employs 4,000 people which accounts for 50% of its workforce in Scotland. The Deal provides the opportunity to double this. A key project will be the creation of a spaceport at Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA), with related infrastructure improvements.

A purpose-built 10,000ft² Aerospace and Space Innovation Centre (ASIC) will drive new technologies and skills acting as a central hub to encourage growth, supporting aerospace and space businesses in Scotland and the UK. A range of high-quality, flexible commercial business space around the aerospace campus and improved transport infrastructure will support the continued growth of the sector.

The further development of Ayrshire’s proud history in manufacturing and engineering will be significantly enhanced

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

with approximately £60m being invested to create a range of high-quality business spaces to stimulate the start up and growth of entrepreneurrial enterprises.

One of the projects is HALO - a transformational brownfield regeneration project being promoted by The HALO Kilmarnock Limited (THKL) in Kilmarnock.

It will see the mixed use redevelopment of the 23 acre former Johnnie Walker whisky bottling plant site and re-establish the area as a centre of employment in Kilmarnock and Ayrshire.

An Ayrshire Engineering Park in Moorfield, Kilmarnock, will also create 15,000 square metres of serviced and high-quality business space, with wide choice of bespoke and ready built units in various sizes, to support the advanced manufacturing and light engineering sectors in Ayrshire.

Ayrshire has a lot going for it. The key to getting the Deal right, is capitalising on the many strengths of the area. It’s primed to take advantage of emerging technologies and build on robust sectors already operating in the area.

The Ayrshire Manufacturing Investment Corridor (AMIC) in Kilmarnock will provide an Innovation Centre/Centre of Excellence on site which, combined with on-site support and start-up units, will allow advanced manufacturing sector businesses to start-up and grow, and further the growth of existing businesses.

watersports hub. Medium and longer term ambitions include major development on the 900 acres of the Ardeer Peninsula which sits directly opposite the Harbourside.

The establishment of a subsea fibre-optic cable landing point to Irvine in North Ayrshire is also seen as hugely significant in making Ayrshire a world-class digitally connected region ripe for investors.

This is currently under development and will shape how the three authorities - East, North and South - and partners from the public and private sectors work together to achieve the best possible results for Ayrshire and the wider Scottish and UK economies.

New developments, supporting the area’s Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical sector, are proposed for the i3 Irvine Enterprise Area in Irvine. The project create a regionally significant and nationally recognised Digital Automation centre of excellence relevant testing / R&D equipment and specialist staff.

This facility will be developed in partnership with Strathclyde University.

“These are all really exciting plans,” said Sharon.

“These are sectors in which we already succeed, but the Deal can help us really explore new, exciting ways to make them even bigger and better. As I said previously, it’s up to us to get this right.”

The plans will also enhance Ayrshire’s coastline, capitalise on the superb opportunities provided by that Ayrshire’s harbours and ports, and address issues such as the provision of land for the development of new housing.

The Growth Deal features prominently within a new Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy, which also encompasses a variety of other projects.

Underpinning both the Strategy and the Deal is a commitment by all the partners to inclusive growth – a belief that growth should be for everyone.

Sharon says: “Inclusive growth is key to these proposals and we firmly believe that the Ayrshire Growth Deal will deliver economic growth that will enrich all our communities.

“Ayrshire has under-performed for some considerable time but we feel the Growth Deal can help us create new high quality jobs and opportunities across Ayrshire, which will help secure the future prosperity of the area, its businesses, and ultimately, its people.”

Further details relating to the AGD can be found at www.ayrshire.gov.uk/AyrshireDeal

The Great Harbour plans, for example, will make the Harbourside area of Irvine a national maritime, culture, leisure and

Business Scotland

81

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

East Ayrshire is ready for business Invest in East Ayrshire and be part of something bigger….This is the message from businesses and local support agencies to anyone thinking of investing in Scotland. for modern industrial space within East Ayrshire, the Ayrshire Growth Deal has announced funding to support the development of an Ayrshire Engineering Park at Moorfield as well The Ayrshire Manufacturing Corridor (AMIC) in Kilmarnock.

In the heart of South West Scotland’s landscape, East Ayrshire is a great place to live, work and invest.

We have an excellent quality of life with a growing economy, a strong sense of community, good educational opportunities and a choice of modern and traditional homes to meet all needs and budgets. Our proximity to ports, airports and the UK’s motorway network; our easy accessibility to both the central belt in Scotland being only 30 minutes’ drive from Glasgow and to the Northern Powerhouse in England; our highly skilled labour pool and the quality of our property portfolio all combine to make East Ayrshire an attractive proposition for investors.

Perhaps less well known is our industrial heritage and diversity of the business base that calls East Ayrshire home – we have strengths in key sectors and a number of internationally renowned companies keen to welcome new investors and to support the economy to grow.

Traditional industries, such as textiles and engineering are thriving. In Cumnock Emergency One is the leading manufacturer of fire engines in the UK, while Lochaven International produces the knitwear for the Harry Potter franchise and supplies garments to fashion houses Burberry and Prada.

Employing over 4000 people in food production and hospitality, the local food and drink sector supplies fine, home grown produce. Woody’s Ice-cream, Ethical Ales, a craft brewer and Grants of Scotland, a long established haggis producer are just a few of our many and varied food and drink producers thriving and supplying national and international markets.

East Ayrshire is also home to a range of unique businesses such as Olympic curling stone manufacturers, Kays of Scotland, Microtech Systems Ltd which manages patient record systems of health boards across the UK and McCallum Bagpipes whose exquisite highland and lowland pipes are exported across the globe.

East Ayrshire Council has a number of support mechanisms to help you to relocate and invest - our website Invest East Ayrshire (www.investeastayrshire. com) is a one stop shop for companies to tap into a wide network of assistance, giving them access to a wealth of advice and support to help them succeed.

Business Scotland

82

Ingram Enterprise Centre Extensive refurbishment work has recently been completed on the Ingram Enterprise Centre in the heart of Kilmarnock, which offers tenants flexible serviced office units for small and start-up businesses with allinclusive rental packages available.

Ingram Enterprise Centre

Business support ranges from helping to find commercial property and recruiting, developing and training staff, to accessing funding to embark on new projects.

Our beReady business growth programme targets the development needs of businesses. Through beReady a business can access a team of specialists in sales and marketing, digital, procurement, people, innovation, and management development and is the route to financial assistance from East Ayrshire Council’s Business Grants Programme.

We can also offer a range of commercial property solutions, including industrial units, offices, retail premises and land available for new developments.

Moorfield Park The recent completion and subsequent occupation of two new speculative industrial units at Moorfield Park, Kilmarnock highlights the demand for good quality modern industrial space within the area.

Scotia Windows & Doors relocated from Bonnyton Industrial Estate, Kilmarnock to centralise their production in one unit.

The other unit has been sub-divided to accommodate Kilmarnock Powder Coating’s relocation from another unit within the town and Dingbro Ltd have taken their first base in Kilmarnock. Proposals are currently underway for two further speculative units extending to 29,000 sq. ft. and the other unit comprising a terrace of six units of 5,900 sq. ft. each totalling 35,400 sq.ft.

Building on the success of the units at Moorfield Park and in response to demand

Retail Development Cumnock In Cumnock, the multimillion pound regeneration of the town centre has seen the restoration of many of the town’s beautiful historic buildings, providing renewed business, retail and residential accommodation. The landscape has been permanently altered with the demolition of the outdated 1970s Glaisnock Centre.

In its place is two new, more sympathetically designed retail developments fronting Townhead Street and Glasinock Street.

The first phase provides seven new retail units which are fully let to a mix of local and national retailers whilst the recently completed phase two comprises a Farmfoods store and a further 6,000 sq.ft. of space available for lease. This space has been constructed to provide flexible accommodation, allowing it to be subdivided for separate occupation by a number of businesses if required.

So whatever your business, there is a network of sectors and companies in East Ayrshire who will welcome you and help you understand that this is a thriving, exciting place to do business. This is a special part of the country, proud of its past and ambitious for the future.

To speak to us and to find out more about how we can help you and to learn more about support available please contact 01563 578304 or info@investeastayrshire.co.uk Further information is available www.investeastayrshire.com

This is North Ayrshire

More than a business location

Well Connected North Ayrshire is within close proximity to two international airports, Prestwick (15 minutes drive) and Glasgow (30 minutes drive).

Our strategic coastal location is serviced by major passenger and freight ports. Access via major motorway networks to the whole of the UK.

A local community serving national and international markets

World-class Support If you’re ready to grow your business in North Ayrshire, our team can help you to create a growth strategy to reach your business ambitions.

With our award winning partnership approach, Team North Ayrshire, we will connect you with the people who can help your business flourish.

Strategic Locations i3 is the perfect foundation for new and fast-growing companies. In i3, we have land and infrastructure to support long term development and success, with flexible options for sale or lease. Enterprise Area status offers enhanced Capital Allowances for any sector and rates free periods for Life Sciences.

To find out how we could help your business contact: T: +44 (0)1294 310695

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Strathleven Regeneration CIC employs Vital Energi Vital Energi, an international sustainable energy company has been appointed by Strathleven Regeneration CIC. energy discounts to residents in the social housing that surrounds their land can work.

Vital Energi will take forward the Board’s vision to assess the viability of using a heat pump district heating system. If feasible, the system will benefit occupants of Strathleven Regeneration owned sites, the adjacent Vale of Leven Industrial Estate and the surrounding social housing. All could benefit from cheap, green energy if viability is proven.

Scott Lutton of Vital Energi said “We are delighted SRCIC asked us to help them assess the viability of low carbon district heating in the Lomondgate and Vale of Leven area. There is no doubt river sourced heat pumps can become a key part of the “race to zero” commitment of the Scottish government. It is great to work with a property developer in Strathleven with such a strong commitment to community benefit and the low carbon agenda. With prime plots still available, SRCIC is keen to add a ‘cheap, green energy’ USP if it can.

An assignment lasting 22 weeks will allow Vital Enegi and partner Star Renewable of Glasgow to build on the expertise it employs delivering the successful Queen’s Quay District Heating system in Clydebank.

This vision is the brainchild of Strathleven Regeneration CIC’s Project Director Steven Szostak.

Steven said “This is our first step in assisting the Scottish Government to achieve its demanding low carbon targets and could be the first time where combined river based heat pump and geothermal technology will be used in this way. It is also significant that the River Leven will form a major part of this idea. The second step will be the feasibility of boring for geothermal heat in collaboration with the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon

Infrastructure Transition Programme.”

Well known for an innovative approach, the board of Strathleven Regeneration CIC have already delivered innovation in conjunction with brand names such as the Aggreko Ltd, Premier Inn and Eurogarages. All are clearly visible at their site just next to the busy A82.

The SRCIC board refuse to rest on their laurels. Innovation is the guiding principle and they want to find out if low cost green heat to local industrialists along with bigger

Regeneration background and board vision Steven Szostak at SRCIC on 01389 722282 or steven.szostak@strathleven.org Site enquiries: Paul Broad at Avison Young on 0141 304 6382 Pete Harding at Cushman & Wakefield on 0141 223 8762 Further information visit: www.lomondgate.com www.strathleven.org

ARGYLL AND BUTE RURAL GROWTH DEAL Argyll and Bute Council are in the process of negotiating a Rural Growth Deal with the Scottish and UK Governments.

This will follow similar principals to the city and regional growth deals recently agreed with other Scottish local authority areas and will focus on investment which can drive economic growth. With public backing we developed the vision, ‘Argyll, the Natural Choice’ to highlight why our area deserves investment. Argyll’s Rural Growth Deal proposals focus on 3 key themes which are considered to be critical drivers for the region’s economic success: • Connecting: our high value business sectors with national and international business markets; our local economic successes with national strategic priorities; • Attracting: additional skills, training and learning opportunities; new residents, visitors and businesses; • Growing: doing more of what works; making more of our natural and built resources.

Rural areas and the people who live here can make a strong contribution to the Scottish and UK economies. Argyll and Bute has abundant natural resources and ambitious communities - these have already resulted in world class food and drink exports and a tourism industry performing well above the national average. Investment could see significant growth in sectors such as marine science, aquaculture, food and drink production and tourism. It could enhance key routes to market for our world-renowned food and drink produce and attract the people and talent we need to reverse our demographic challenges. Seeking a Rural Growth Deal is all about seeking fair treatment for Argyll and Bute to therefore deliver long-term benefits for the region, Scotland and the UK.

Business Scotland

85

Enterprise-class ICT Managed Services For Every Business When everything else in your business is getting sharper and more able, how does your inhouse IT department compare?

These days, everything is getting smaller, smarter, more connected and more affordable. Everyday technology has given businesses everywhere unprecedented agility and reach.

But, when everything else in your business is getting sharper and more able, how does your in-house IT department compare?

At Dacoll Group Ltd, we know that every organisation needs an intelligent and responsive IT service, 24/7. Without it, you just can’t get on with the job of running your business.

But could your IT services be letting you down? Or costing you too much?

Dacoll Group Ltd can professionalise your IT infrastructure and services, with a price tag that may just surprise you. In fact, we will confidently provide the level of IT managed services that you’d expect to receive only from a tier 1 provider, but couldn’t afford.

Until now.

From our headquarters in the heart of Scotland, we provide a 24/7 service desk, manned by real people, whatever the hour.

In addition, our UK-wide fleet of skilled engineers means that we will come right to your own desk for those manual fixes.

These, and other services, are tailor-made to fit your needs, whatever your size, so that you get the best value support possible.

We’re a family-run business, and we know all about the daily pressures of running your own company. Because of that, our people care about your IT and its smooth running as much as we do our own.

So, let us take care of your ICT. And you can get back to work. sales@dacoll.co.uk | www.dacollgroup.co.uk

BUSINESS PROPERTY RENTAL Offering customised serviced offices, industrial units and workshops in business parks across Central Scotland.

All-inclusive, flexible and cost-effective leases include utilities, reception, insurance, maintenance, cleaning, meeting room hire, car-parking, refuse and recycling.

T: 01259 721454 E: property@ceteris.co.uk

Visit ceteris.co.uk for more information

01259 721454 | property@ceteris.co.uk | ceteris.co.uk

Business Scotland

86

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Associated Seafoods invests in local talent to develop internationally Moray Chamber of Commerce member Associated Seafoods Ltd (ASL) was established in 2012 and has experienced remarkable growth over the last seven years that has established the company as a major player in the Scottish smoked salmon sector, and in the process, providing a significant boost to the Buckie and wider Moray economy.

Seven years ago, Buckie shellfish processor Moray Seafoods was on the verge of closure, with the potential for a devastating economic blow to the local area. However, a group of investors stepped-in and acquired the factory, securing valuable jobs for the community.

Whilst it would have been more costeffective to relocate elsewhere, the management was determined that the processing facility should stay in the traditional fishing community of Buckie, thus supporting the local economy. A key reason for this was the recognition that fishing was in the lifeblood of the community, which in turn provided a valuable skills resource to draw upon and nurture.

Seven years on, and with a strategy in place that resulted in a switch in emphasis from shellfish to premium Scottish smoked salmon via the acquisition of award winning exporter Lossie Seafoods, the end result has been: Turnover increasing from £8m to £30m, over 60% from exporting to significant

new markets in Canada, the US, Europe and the Middle East.

Securing premium salmon supply contract with Marks and Spencer Staff employment rising from 50 to 250.

Re-built factory with £9m investment, and another £1m being spent just before Christmas 2018.

Promoting Scottish provenance and a commitment to Moray – for example, by putting Spey Bay on front of M&S salmon packs across UK. A key element of this growth has been the strategic commitment of ASL to build its management team from local and in-house talent, resulting in the development of an in-house training programme and working with initiatives such as Developing the Young workforce (DYW) and Career Ready. Foreign language training is also undertaken to assist staff in labelling and customs requirements for international customers.

The company also works closely with local primary and secondary schools, encouraging and informing the next

generation about the career opportunities available in the seafood sector.

The underlying ethos of ASL is a determination to give young people the maximum opportunity to fill new positions and build for themselves worthwhile careers in a local business that cares for its people and the local community.

Victor West, ASL managing director, says: “We are dedicated to developing and encouraging young people throughout our local area to find their future pathway in the global workplace environment, which is why we place so much emphasis in this area of the business.”

Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, says: “We have a fantastic food and drink offering in the region and Associated Seafoods not only provide exceptional product all over the world, but they are committed to their roots, the local economy and our future generation. The team at ASL are leading the way and I am delighted to be working with them on different projects within the business.’

Business Scotland

87

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Confidence and Investment on the rise in the oil & gas sector The 30th Oil and Gas survey, conducted by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Fraser of Allander Institute and KPMG UK, reveals that around 45% of contractors have increased investment spend in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) in the past 12 months. Almost half (47%) report they have either started to use artificial intelligence or will do so in the next five years.

The survey looked at work in the six months to April 2019, asking firms about their prospects for the year ahead, as well as the next three to five years, in order to assess trends in exploration and production, decommissioning and other related oil and gas extraction activities both in the UK and international markets.

The survey highlights a welcome trend in R&D investment with the highest proportion of firms reporting an increase in spend since 2006/07 and firms indicating that they anticipate further rises over the next few years. Only 6% of firms are currently citing taxation as a limiting factor when it comes to UKCS activity, down from 26% in 2017. Further to this, with 35% reporting that the availability of tax or funding incentives had influenced their decision not to invest in further R&D, the report suggests the supportive environment created by Government is having a positive effect.

Contractors in the UKCS are reporting healthy results. Almost half (49%) of firms are working at or above optimum levels, the highest figure recorded in the survey since 2014. Almost three quarters (72%) of firms are forecasting an increase in profits in 2019 and the results also recorded the highest

Business Scotland

88

figure in this survey’s history indicating a rise in the value of UKCS production-related activity.

A figure that bodes well for the future of the sector is that a reported 90% of firms were optimistic about the city of Aberdeen’s longterm future.

Moray Barber, partner at KPMG, said: “It is extremely welcome to see the results pointing to increased investment in staff training, developing new markets and maintenance of infrastructure and it is positive to note that 35% of respondents say that funding and tax incentives influence their decisions to invest in R&D in the UK. The report tells us that there has been investment pick up but we need to be cognizant of the fact that this is starting from a relatively low base from the challenging times the industry was facing four or five years ago.’’

Shane Taylor, research and policy manager at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our survey paints a picture of an optimistic industry, investing to deliver the opportunity of a productive UKCS and a vibrant future for Aberdeen as an all energy hub. The levels of optimism reported in our survey are encouraging but for those of us passionate about the future of the

region, it’s excellent to see an overwhelming majority of firms are optimistic about the long-term future of Aberdeen as not just Europe’s oil and gas capital, but as an allenergy hub which will be relevant long after the UKCS comes to the end of its operational phase.’’

It is extremely welcome to see the results pointing to increased investment in staff training, developing new markets and maintenance of infrastructure and it is positive to note that 35% of respondents say that funding and tax incentives influence their decisions to invest in R&D in the UK.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Renfrewshire Chamber show that Business Matters Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce held its 9th B2B (Business to Business) event recently in Paisley.

“Business Matters in Renfrewshire” was held in the Lagoon to help local businesses of all sectors and sizes grow and prosper.

The event sponsored by Paisley.is attracted 50 exhibitors with close to 400 attendees across the whole day. The well attended 6 free seminars from local experts shared info and gave best practice on a number of hot topics. Amongst the areas of discussion were social media for your business and how digital tech can transform it, growing a greener business, helping local organisations to win business with Renfrewshire Council, investment plans for the area and how the Paisley.is destination

brand is helping to grow the economy.

The full seminar line up was: “Paisley.is: 1 year on & game changing city deal developments” with the Paisley.is team & Renfrewshire Council “Social Now to Social Wow!” with NSDesign “Doing Business with Renfrewshire Council” with Invest in Renfrewshire & Procurement Team.

“How to win business using LinkedIn” with fatBuzz “How to Grow a Greener Business” with Resource Efficient Scotland, a programme of Zero Waste Scotland.

“Business Futures: Accelerating Digital, Social & Transformational Tech” with UWS. Commenting on the event Chamber Chief Executive Bob Grant thanked all exhibitors, speakers & sponsors and said that he hoped everyone involved benefited from the event.

As the largest free business event in the area – it is a great opportunity to see the breadth and depth of businesses out there, promote your business, and network & learn from others.”

For more information on Renfrewshire Chamber events and the benefits of for local businesses please visit: www.renfrewshirechamber.com

Business Scotland

89

Just Rock Up

The Scottish Event Campus just got a wee bit better.

A new contemporary space to host your meetings at Scotland’s national event destination. A bright, modern space, creating the perfect environment to educate and share.

State of the art technology, nourishing food, all the benefits of an experienced event team, and situated in the heart of Glasgow. All you need to do is turn up.

To find out more about how to host a meeting for 100 delegates or more, please do drop us a line, Glenda.Carlyle@sec.co.uk or Emma.Richards@sec.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can pop in for a site visit. The kettle is always on.

+44 (0)141 275 6232 | secmeetingacademy@sec.co.uk | sec.co.uk/secmeetingacademy

CONFERENCING & EVENTS

Dunkeld House Hotel has gone through some exciting developments over the past couple of years.

Formerly under the Hilton brand, Dunkeld House Hotel is now independently owned and has completed a 3 million refurbishment.

Dunkeld House Hotel’s riverside setting is perfect for business or pleasure alikeconnected and secluded, accessible and discreet; a distraction free destination with design led interiors, exceptional service and amazing food.

We know that meetings are important occasions and often reflect on the event planner and the company they represent.

Dunkeld House Hotel offers excellent

event space comprising of 7 event suites, 98 bedrooms, Ghillies Bar, Riverside Restaurant and Spa and Leisure facilities.

From small meetings of 4 up to conference facilities for 200 and spectacular product launches, we can offer you a complete package tailored to your specific business needs.

A range of activities can be held on the estate and the surrounding area, creating

a great day out for the team challenges/ team building and away days. Simply ask our events team about activities and we can include them in your package.

Our dedicated events team will ensure that you and your guests enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality during your visit, bringing your ideas to life.

To find out more, call 01350 728338.

Or email events@dunkeldhousehotel.co.uk

Business Scotland

91

CONFERENCING & EVENTS

AN ENVIRONMENT TO INSPIRE IDEAS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD

We’re passionate about ideas and creativity so we’ve filled our venue with exciting technology to engage audiences, encourage networking and inspire world-changing ideas Contact us to talk about your next event t 0131 300 3333 e sales@eicc.co.uk w www.eicc.co.uk EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE

Business Scotland

92

@eicc

#NOWHERECANCOMPARE

Opened in 2017 the purpose built, state of the art, Firth Pavilion at Seamill Hydro has been designed as the ultimate conference and banqueting destination.

The ÂŁ6 million development has made the most of the stunning coastal setting of the Victorian eighty bedroom hotel and enhanced it with all of the modern comforts and conveniences you would expect of a leading modern hotel. There is a choice of three sizes of conference room and a smaller break-out or meeting room so events from 2 to over 200 can be accommodated in comfort.

Meeting rooms are set over two floors and all enjoy natural light and panoramic view of over 100 square miles and land and sea including the majestic mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde.

The delegate experience is further enhanced by the superb quality of food and the dedicated service from our team of experienced managers and conference porters, who are always on hand to help.

FIRTH@SEAMILLHYDRO.CO.UK | 01294 822 217 Ext. 200 | SEAMILLHYDRO.CO.UK/WORK

CONFERENCING & EVENTS

Scotland’s Largest Hotel Event Space £1M refurbishment is complete!

Fairmont St Andrews has completed the £1M refurbishment of it’s 3000 sq metres of Resort Event Space.

Email SabSalesDL@fairmont.com to plan your next event taking advantage of Day Delegate meeting rates from £49.00 per person or residential meeting packages from £229.00 24-hour rates and enjoy your program in one of 14 diverse event rooms*

24-Hour

Event Space

FROM

Rates

£229.00 PER Day

standrewsbay.com/meetings SABSalesDL@fairmont.com +44 (0)1334 837000 Subject to availability. Terms & Condition Apply.

ONE ISLAND TWO DISTILLERIES Lochranza Distillery

ISLE OF ARRAN DISTILLERS ARE EXPANDING. VISIT THE PICTURESQUE LOCHRANZA DISTILLERY AND BRAND NEW LAGG DISTILLERY ON THE BEAUTIFUL ISLE OF ARRAN. In 1995, Isle of Arran Distillers revived whisky distilling on the island with the building of a brand-new distillery in the village of Lochranza, situated in the north. Twenty-four years later and whisky distillation is now also being brought back to the south of the island with the opening of Lagg Distillery.

During the 1800s, the south-end of the island was a hotbed of illegal farm distilleries and casks would be

Business ScotlandAdvertorial.indd 1

smuggled off the shores in small boats headed for the mainland.

The Distilling Team at Lagg Distillery will be under the watchful eye of Graham Omand, the nephew and protégé of Isle of Arran Master Distiller James MacTaggart, who has been running operations in Lochranza since 2008. Graham will oversee the production of a heavily peated Single Malt Scotch whisky which will be earthy and rich in character. The Distillery at Lochranza will continue to produce the un-peated, award winning The Arran Single Malt range.

The Distillery Visitor Centre in Lochranza has become one of the most visited attractions on the island with hourly tours of the distillery as well as a welcoming café and well stocked gift shop. Lagg will also be open to visitors, offering them the chance to tour the new Distillery and relax in the Café & bar which have panoramic views of the Ayrshire Coast and Kintyre Peninsula.

For more information about tours visit us at: arranwhisky.com laggwhisky.com

Lagg Distillery Opening Summer 2019

10/06/2019 14:56

Business Scotland

95

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Ayrshire Chamber’s ‘Future Chamber 2019’ takes off with continuing investment from their platinum partners Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce welcomed 16 new businesses when they launched this years ‘Future Chamber’ initiative. The exciting concept is now in its second year and provides FREE Enterprise Level Membership in addition to a structured program of relevant business and personal development activity throughout the year for business owners aged 35 or under.

As the Ayrshire Chamber celebrated their platinum 70th year in 2017, one of the key areas of focus was to engage with and support a younger audience from across Ayrshire.

Lisa Stewart, Future Chamber Lead said “Future Chamber focuses on young entrepreneurship and innovation and reflects the Chamber’s commitment to the future economic and business growth across Ayrshire. I am delighted with the quality of this year’s intake and look forward to working with them in the year ahead. I am sure they will make the most of this free membership” Future Chamber members will be able to access the extensive range of events and networking opportunities, obtain legal,

Business Scotland

96

tax, health & safety and HR support, free editorial exposure within the quarterly ‘Your Business’ magazine and much more.

Kirsty Cassels of Building Together CIC, one of our new ‘Future Chamber’ members said: “The networking opportunities are the main reason I wanted to join. The wealth of experience available is invaluable in setting up a new business. The support so far has been incredible and it’s only week 2!”

Amanda Su Brown, said, “I run The LinkedIn Effect and am looking forward to getting to know more of the Future Chamber and wider Chamber network over the next 12 months.

The Future Chamber is going to support me with personal development objectives and provide the opportunity to be part of something new with like-minded people.”

Chamber CEO Val Russell says “This is a natural progression of some of the work Ayrshire Chamber already does with young people as part of Developing the Young Workforce. AYE (Ayrshire Young Entrepreneurs) exposes young people whilst at school to the possibilities of having their own business.”

Ayrshire Chamber would like to thank our Platinum Partners for Business for their continued support of this fantastic initiative which provides fully funded Chamber membership for one year.

To find out more about ‘Future Chamber’ call 01292 678666 or visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org Applications for 2020/2021 will open in January 2020.

PAGE HEADER

DYW DG’s STEM event goes off with a bang!

Pupils from 15 of Dumfries and Galloway’s secondary schools came together at the town’s Easterbrook Hall in May for Developing the Young Workforce’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths event, ‘Bang Goes DG!’ The second STEM event held by the DYW team, ‘Bang Goes DG!’ showcased various businesses and organisations through hands on activities. Justin Thomas, DYW Programme Manager and organiser of the event “Youngsters can roll up their sleeves and have a go at something. This is a fun and stimulating way to learn and makes more of an experience for the individual meaning that they can begin to learn more about the careers that are around them.”

The event certainly had an impact on the young people with 958 pupils attending, all taking full advantage of the activities.

Feedback from both pupils, businesses and teachers was extremely supportive.

Grahame Arrowsmith, Acting Deputy Head Teacher at Wallace Hall Academy thought the day well worthwhile. “The pupils got an awful lot out of the event and clearly, the employers had put in a lot of effort in engagement activities. A huge thank you to DYW for the effort, it’s much appreciated” “We had 109 Teachers from across the region accompany the pupils” explains DYW Programme Manager, Caroline Davidson.

“That’s a huge increase on the event last year and shows just how involved the Teachers want to be when understanding STEM careers themselves” Bang Goes DG! was set up to highlight the variety of opportunities in the region within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and attracted over 40 businesses including, Alpha Solway, Jas P Wilson, Eco Genics, Brown Brothers, Scottish Power Energy Networks, Scottish Water and Glasgow Science Centre.

John Campbell, Former President of Scottish Engineering was delighted to be involved.

“We have to thank DYW DG for this event. We met dozens of young people and we had a lot of interest in STEM. It was nice to talk with young folks who haven’t really got a view of where they want to be just yet. A super event and the enthusiasm from all the participants made for a great atmosphere!”

“It’s all about informing young people and highlighting what STEM actually is” Justin continues. “Many get turned off the idea of careers in these sectors as they think it is too hard or don’t know anyone already working in the fields. DYW DG challenges this through many of our ‘work ready projects of which BGDG is just a part.

Caroline agrees. “BGDG is also a fantastic showcase for businesses to highlight exactly who they are and what they do and to meet young people face to face. It was brilliant to see everyone together having a go at what was available!”

The regions Food and Drink sector was represented by Brown Brothers and Arla amongst others and with a national partner.

“Food and Drink Federation Scotland were delighted to support DYW DG in BGDG to promote the link between STEM subjects and careers in the food and drink industry” says Moira Stalker, National Skills Manager “With 2,700 new recruits needed by 2022, there is plenty of scope for great careers and many people don’t realise that what we really need are scientists, technologists, engineers and highly skilled technical people too. The pupils who came to BGDG were all interested in finding out about the science

behind the food they eat and that’s great news for the future growth of our industry, which is the largest manufacturing sector in Scotland and the UK.” Activities ranged from learning the secrets of dry ice to understanding the importance of the role of renewable energy. Virtual Reality headsets were used by many of the businesses including the NHS and Lantra, helping young people to bridge their understanding of how technology is involved in business.

Dumfries based business, B Station have access to a huge number of games and training packages and are working with DYW DG to present digital learning to pupils, Teachers and businesses. CEO, Derry JJ Rogerson, was delighted by the response from everyone at the show. “We were so grateful to be given the opportunity to showcase our big ideas for the future of skills based education at BGDG. We want to be able to show how new technologies on the market, like VR, can be used in constructive ways. We can make learning immersive, interactive and experience led if we learn to use gaming technologies in a more thoughtful way and that is something we’re really excited to be introducing.”

Justin is equally enthusiastic. “We are very keen to include VR wherever possible in what we do and we are extremely lucky to be able to have a specialist business on our doorstep that we can work with!” says Justin. “All in all we tried to cover as much as we possibly could to inspire and inform. It was quite a day and we cannot express enough thanks to all that were involved!”

Business Scotland

97

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Damon Scott and Sharon Colvan

Chamber skills development aims to build bridges Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce is putting skills high on its agenda as part of an exciting new programme.

“Building Bridges” is Dunbartonshire Chamber’s new Skills Development Programme, designed to help develop local skills to meet the needs of the local economy.

The initiative is being led by board members Sharon Colvan and Philip Briscoe, and Chief Executive, Damon Scott.

Business Scotland

98

Damon Scott explains how Building Bridges came about: “Difficulty in recruiting staff with the right skills from the local area is a recurring theme in the ongoing feedback we gather from our members and other Dunbartonshire businesses. The same feedback was coming from a range of sectors from the more obvious ones like engineering and manufacturing to insurance and contact centres.

“As an active member we built a strong relationship with Sharon Colvan, whose engineering company, Glenhead Engineering Ltd, has gone through a significant growth in

the last decade. A highly-skilled workforce is at the heart of Glenhead’s success so the theme was already a priority for her.

“One of our directors, Philip Briscoe of manufacturing company, European Circuits Ltd, represents the Chamber on the board of Developing Young Workforce (West) board so it made sense to build on this, bring Sharon onto the board and increase our activity in this area to respond the needs of our businesses.

“A woman-led engineering company is also somewhat of a rarity so having a female role-model promoting STEM subjects and

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Images courtesy of Glenhead Engineering/Peter Sandground Photography

associated career opportunities is hugely beneficial to help us address the gender imbalance in these areas.”

The title for the new programme was inspired by a project Sharon undertook with a local school to physically repair a small bridge but it was also chosen to represent the strengthening of links between schools and business, between businesses, with partners and with the young workforce.

Building Bridges will continue developing relationships with local primary and secondary schools, facilitating school visits from representatives of local businesses as well as hosted tours and events designed to build an understanding of career opportunities and skills requirements.

Hands-on expertise from within the business community will support innovation by helping schools undertake practical projects and the Chamber will also provide business mentors to local schools to give young entrepreneurs the support to turn their business idea into reality.

Going forward, Building Bridges, supported by communications and business engagement campaigns, will help create, promote and encourage work experience placements, internships, apprenticeships and full-time employment opportunities.

Sharon Colvan is excited about the future of the programme that will compliment current provision: “It is really important that the skills agenda is led by the private-sector and Building Bridges is a great opportunity to do that with the guidance and support of the Dunbartonshire business community. We are already working with schools and Developing the Young Workforce to help develop skills on a local level and DYW (West) recently signed up as our first “Supporter” for the programme to embed that relationship.

“We are delighted with the enthusiasm and commitment we already have for the programme from within the Chamber membership. With an increased focus on the value of Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement there is an

appetite within the business community to find ways they can contribute whether that is by investing time or making a financial contribution. We will be working hard to generate the support that will help us realise our ambitions for Building Bridges to make a real impact on skills in Dunbartonshire which has some areas of need socially and economically.

“Our Partner+ Membership offers an ideal way for organisations demonstrate their commitment to both the Dunbartonshire Chamber and the future prosperity of Dunbartonshire and we would be keen to engage with any businesses that want to put something back.”

To find out more about how to get involved with Building Bridges and for support and sponsorship opportunities email skills@ dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk or phone Damon Scott on 0141 280 0272. To find out more about Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce visit www.dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk

A woman-led engineering company is also somewhat of a rarity so having a female rolemodel promoting STEM subjects and associated career opportunities is hugely beneficial to help us address the gender imbalance in these areas.

Business Scotland

99

CHAMBERCONNECTIONS

CHAMBER CONTACTS

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Strathclyde Business School, 199 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0QU T: 0141 444 7500 E: admin@scottishchambers.org.uk President – Tim Allan 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 - Colette Blackwell 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 - Lorna Gibson Cairngorms Business Partnership Ltd Inverdruie House, Inverdruie Aviemore, PH22 1QH T: 01479 810200 E: office@visitcairngorms.com www.visitcairngorms.com Chief Executive - Mark Tate Chair of the Partnership - Angus McNicol 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

100

Eskdale House, The Crichton, Bankend Road Dumfries, DG1 4UQ T: 01387 270866 E: admin@dgchamber.co.uk www.dgchamber.co.uk President – Kenny Bowie 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 37 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 - Ian Collins 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 – Laura Molloy Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 40 George Street, 2nd floor Edinburgh, EH2 2LE T: 0131 221 2999 F: 0131 261 5056 E: info@edinburghchamber.co.uk www.edinburghchamber.co.uk Chief Executive – Liz McAreavey President - Jane Clark-Hutchison

Fife Chamber of Commerce John Smith Business Centre, 1 Begg Road John Smith Business Park, Kirkcaldy Fife, KY2 6HD T: 01592 647740 E: info@fifechamber.co.uk www.fifechamber.co.uk CEO – Alan Mitchell President – Brian Horisk Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Group (incorporating Stirling Chamber of Commerce) Suite 2, Scion House Stirling University Innovation Park Stirling, FK9 4NF T: 01786 448 333 E: info@forthvalleychamber.co.uk www.forthvalleychamber.com www.stirlingchamber.co.uk President Lynn Blaikie 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 - Jim McHarg Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce Room 5, Victoria House, 5 East Blackhall Street, Greenock, PA 15 1HD T: 01475 806824 E: enquiries@greenockchamber.co.uk www.greenockchamber.co.uk Senior Executive Officer - Margaret Moran President - Gavin McDonagh Inverclyde

Chamber of Commerce

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 - George Moodie Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce Barncluith Business Centre, Townhead St, Hamilton, ML3 7DP T: 0330 0947370 E: info@lanarkshirechamber.org.uk Faye Clark Lochaber Chamber of Commerce 15 High Street Fort William, PH33 6DH T: 01397 705 765 E: membership@lochaberchamber.co.uk www.lochaberchamber.co.uk Chairman - Bruno Berardelli Chief Executive - Frazer Coupland Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Moulsdale House, Edinburgh College 24d Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 2PP T: 0131 603 5040 E: info@melcc.org.uk www.melcc.org.uk Joint Chief Executives - George Archibald and Keith Barbour President – Archie Paterson 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 President Carol Stewart

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 - Stephen Leckie 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 – Tom Johnston Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce 27 North Bridge Street, Hawick, TD9 9BD T: 07771 865 758 E: communications@borderschamber.com www.borderschamber.com Convenor - Jack Clark Vice Convenor - Bruce Simpson Chair – Moira Wilson

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Scottish Chambers of Commerce Strathclyde Business School 199 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0QU T: 0141 444 7500 E: admin@scottishchambers.org.uk www.scottishchambers.org.uk @ScotChambers Like us on Facebook Production & Design Distinctive Group 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 6UF Telephone 0191 5805990 production@distinctivegroup.co.uk www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk 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

West Lothian Chamber of Commerce Systems House, Alba Centre, Alba Business Park, Rosebank, Livingston, EH54 7EG T: 01506 414808 E: chamber@wlchamber.com www.wlchamber.com President Billy MacLeod

Disclaimer

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

Business Scotland

101

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

From Caithness to the world Sitting at the very northern tip of Scotland, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Caithness may seem to some like an unlikely location for thriving international trade. Yet with businesses both established and new working hard to export around the world, the global success of Caithness businesses is proof positive that attitude and effort matters far more than location.

Starting with our thriving food and drink industry, Caithness has long had a sterling reputation throughout the world for producing some of the best quality produce in Scotland. Whether that’s freshly baked biscuits from Reids of Caithness, the latest seasonal gin from Dunnet Bay Distillers, or fresh-caught seafood from JPL Shellfish, food and drink from Caithness makes its way to dozens of countries throughout the world.

Caithness is also home to several significant manufacturing businesses which work with clients all over the world.

Companies like Subsea 7, JGC Engineering & Technical Services, Denchi Power and

Business Scotland

102

Imenco are manufacturing advanced products for use around the globe in industries including oil and gas, nuclear, renewables and defence.

It’s important to remember that international trade is not just about physical products, but about services and skills as well, and Caithness punches above its weight in this arena too. A standout example would be local graphic design company North Design, which over the past few years has worked closely with a client in Faroe Islands to develop the branding for a brand-new bottled water product for the European market.

As home to the Dounreay nuclear power

plant, which is now moving towards the final stages of the decommissioning process, companies in Caithness have developed a wealth of skills in nuclear decommissioning. The Dounreay site has already welcomed fact-finding delegations from the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, and the industry in the area is now looking at how it can export this expertise across the globe.

The road ahead for Scottish businesses remains uncertain, but the success of Caithness in building an international market shows that innovation, effort, and a “can-do” attitude can help businesses grow no matter where they are based.

Business across the pond?

Choose from over 200 connections with us.

Business sorted.

Book your next business trip at virginatlantic.com

TRANSFORM YOUR FUTURE GLASGOW MBA Realise your true potential with our world class, one year MBA. Learn practical skills with 1:1 focus, in a triple accredited business school. glasgow.ac.uk/mba #GlasgowMBA Adam Smith Business School is triple accredited by