ISSUE 17 • OCT 2011
FIFE BUSINESS MATTERS
Building for the future
Affordable sustainable homes
MISSION:POSSIBLE Find your way through the procurement maze
SCOTLAND TO EUROPE
A direct link for exports
JSbp3 Situated in a high-profile location on the northern edge of Kirkcaldy, John Smith Business Park is one of Fife’s premier business parks. JSbp has outline planning consent for 400,000 sq ft of Class 4 business development, incorporating an element of hotel/leisure accommodation. To date, 100,000 sq ft of high quality office accommodation has been developed in four phases. Following the success of the first two phases of office development on the park, the third phase, JSbp3, is now complete and available for lease. The building occupies a two acre plot on the west of John Smith Business Park and is adjacent to Fife Central Retail Park, one of Fife’s most popular retail destinations. The property provides three floors of modern open plan office accommodation and is finished to a very high quality specification.
www.johnsmithbusinesspark.co.uk
Viewing and further information: Nadir Khan-Juhoor/Marcus Weurman Knight Frank LLP, 1 Edinburgh Quay 133 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9QG Tel: 0131 222 9600 Fax: 0131 222 9639 nadir.khan-juhoor@knightfrank.com marcus.weurman@knightfrank.com
Contents A fitting boost in revenue from overseas...........................................4 Let’s do business.............................5 Building for the future.....................6 Enterprising school challenge is all fun and games...................... 10 New websites showcase strengths and opportunities.......... 13 Mission possible............................. 14 New ‘agony aunts’ for Fife businesses.............................. 18 Appointments at Fife Chamber................................. 21 Coffee, tea or the latest inflight entertainment?.................. 24 Making exhibitions work for your business.................. 25
WELCOME to the new-
Turning bright sparks into green energy............................................ 27
look Fife Business Matters.
New start ups offered a green base.................................. 27
The magazine’s aim has always been to bring you the best about business in Fife, as well as keep you informed about help and support that is available, whether you’re already operating in the region or are looking to locate here. In redesigning and updating the publication, we’ve kept the best of what has gone before and introduced new features and content that we hope you will find relevant to your business. The Fife Economy Partnership is founded on the knowledge that prosperity and growth needs a joined-up approach to strategic planning so that the private and public sectors can work together to achieve common goals. Our features in this issue include examples of this joined-up working, from the Housing Innovation Showcase project in Dunfermline (see pages 6 - 9) to our guide to public sector procurement through the Supplier Development Programme (see pages 14 - 17). And, of course, no magazine worth its salt is without a problem page – in the case of Fife Business Matters, that means our HR advice experts (see page 34) who look forward to helping you with any HR issues. We hope you enjoy the magazine.
Bid to secure share of £809 million business tourism market.............. 29
Fraser Phillips Chair Fife Economy Partnership
Young entrepreneurs rise to the challenge ..................... 30 Events Diary................................... 33 HR Advice ..................................... 34
Fife Business Matters is published on behalf of the Fife Economy Partnership. To send us your stories or request a copy email: fbm@dtechuk.com To advertise in Fife Business Matters contact sales@dtechuk.com Telephone 01389 736000 Fife Business Matters is published by D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Limited on behalf of the Fife Economy Partnership. This publication is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed wholly or in part without the written permission of the publishers. The proprietors of this magazine are publishers and not agents or subagents of those who advertise therein. The publishers cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication. The views expressed by the authors or articles published in this magazine are solely those of the author and are not necessarily the views of or shared by the editor, nor the publisher or the directors, shareholders and/or employees of D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Limited
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A fitting boost in revenue from overseas
SHOP FLOOR SUCCESSES: House of Fraser’s new look shop in Buchanan Street, Glasgow
CEO praises Havelock Europa workers for continuing commitment Havelock Europa Ltd started in 1974 when the shopfitting division of then J. Mackays (Drapers) Ltd, now Mackays Group, was floated as a stand-alone company. In 1986 it merged with Store Design in Dalgety Bay. Over the subsequent decades it has continued to diversify, including acquiring ESA McIntosh in Kirkcaldy, the UK’s leading supplier of educational furniture and fittings. In 2009 the education and retail business was merged to form Havelock Interiors, with manufacturing operations from a single site in Kirkcaldy.
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F
IFE company Havelock Europa has new overseas contracts with high quality retailers to thank for contributing to the increase in group revenue over the first half of this year. Originally a shopfitting operation, the Dalgety Bay company, which employs around 500 people in its interiors division in Fife, now specialises across a diverse range of markets, taking in educational interiors and supplies; retail, banking and hotel interiors; and point of sale and display. Its client list spans an impressive range of blue chip clients, from Boots the Chemist to Balfour Beatty and the Post Office to Primark, as well as schools, universities and local authorities throughout the UK. In the six months to the end of June, the group carried out work in China, Hong Kong, Ireland, the Netherlands and Germany. On the home front, further projects were secured with high street brands including Marks and Spencer, Lloyds Banking Group and Virgin Money.
Havelock chief executive Eric Prescott said: “I am pleased with the progress made across the entire group, and I would like to thank our workforce for their continuing commitment. “In particular, we are seeing good growth internationally and we continue to work closely with strong blue chip partners.” Group revenues rose four per cent to £42.9 million and it cut net debt £2.5 million to £17.2 million. Revenues from its interiors business rose by nine per cent to £29.1 million, with school fit-outs continuing to do well, though educational supplies to schools dropped six per cent to £3.8 million. The Havelock Group includes Kirkcaldy company ESA McIntosh, which produces quality furniture for educational environments. Point of sale printing revenue also dropped slightly to £10 million from £10.5 million after a contract with Somerfield came to an end after its takeover by the Co-op.
Last year’s successful Fife Business Week included a visit by 50 representatives from engineering and manufacturing companies to Fife Fabrications, with Archie Smith, managing director, pictured on the right. As one attendee, Dale Caton, managing director of Narvida, a custom-built steel fabrication company in Dalgety Bay, said afterwards: “We are all operating in challenging market conditions so anything we can do to share ideas, get fresh perspective and look to future opportunities is very valuable.”
Let’s do business Second Fife Business Week set to reach out to even more firms
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IFE Business Week is shaping up to be bigger, better and busier this year, with a packed programme of events kicking off on November 8. Launched last year by the Fife Economy Partnership, the week brings together public and private sectors, business experts, academics and entrepreneurs in a series of workshops and seminars covering a broad spectrum of business-related issues, from taxation to tourism and business networking to becoming ‘Lean’. The aim is to stimulate discussion, share ideas and best practice, and open up networks and business opportunities. Last year’s week attracted 350 attendees and this year it’s expected to be even more popular, with the programme doubling in size to 45 events. Fraser Phillips, chairman of the Fife Economy Partnership, said Fife Economy Partnership was ambitious to see the local economy flourish.
The Business Week highlights the advantages Fife offers for businesses - high calibre staff, excellent infrastructure links and acknowledged centres of excellence in many sectors. The impressive programme is designed to reach a wide audience of businesses of many sizes. “It’s a great example of how public and private sector support agencies, business experts, academics and entrepreneurs can work together to embrace innovative ideas and develop further skills to ensure business success in 2012 and beyond,” Fraser Phillips said. The week gets under way on November 8 with an event promoting the Fife Schools Enterprise Game, which has been designed to engage young people in enterprise. It will also celebrate how enterprise education is being developed in Fife and Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for Learning and Skills, will officially launch the game to representatives from business, government, schools and the media. The Fife Schools Enterprise Game is a key feature of the Fife Economy Partnership’s Culture of Enterprise Framework and is a strong example of how Fife is leading the way in the early engagement of young people in enterprise. The game has been customised to reflect the Fife economy, with support from local businesses.
Find out more You can find out about the Business Week programme online, on paper and, new for this year, on your phone. Listings and booking details are in a brochure available from business centres and colleges throughout Fife or can be downloaded at www. fifebusinessweek.co.uk. The Fife Business Week Mobile application for iPhone and Android is available from the respective stores or search for ‘Fife Business Week’ on the Apple app store to download.
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Building for the future “The aim of the project is to develop different house systems on the site which can demonstrate their capabilities to be mainstreamed as part of future affordable housing projects.” - Alan McGuckin, chief executive of Kingdom Housing Association
“It’s great to see the partnership leading the way in delivering this important and innovative project. These properties will showcase new and sustainable products that can be integrated into plans when building affordable housing.” - Councillor Brian Goodall, chair of Fife Housing Partnership and Fife Council’s Housing & Communities Committee
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When it comes to house-building and delivering affordable new homes, tomorrow’s world is taking shape today
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I N ‘Housing D R I VInnovation E - D Showcase’ U N F E Rwill M Lhelp I N E SITE in Dunfermline has the potential D U N LThe to completely alter the way a new-build is place Fife at the forefront of developing a range of approached – not just in Fife but across the sustainable modern methods of construction and country. products, all of which would further promote muchThe 27 properties under construction on needed affordable housing programmes. Pittsburgh Road/Dunlin Drive represent a remarkable While this is crucial to both the construction vision and will form a ‘Housing Innovation Showcase’, industry and the social demand for housing, the demonstrating 10 different modern methods of project will also bring a number of important construction. community benefits. A partnership between Kingdom Housing Interest in this concerted drive for innovation Association, as the lead developer with the Fife is likely to be of much interest to those involved in Housing Association Alliance, and Fife Council, the training, either through work placements or visits project also has the support of Fife Construction from those running courses in higher and further Forum, Green Business Fife and the Scottish education. Government – as well as the developers and houseAnd while the properties themselves will be under builders themselves. close scrutiny there is more to a home than four walls The aim is to develop 10 different house systems and roof. The innovation will extend to landscaping on the site that show how they could be part of design and the benefits of green space – delivering a future affordable housing projects. A comprehensive total package of what the home of tomorrow can be procurement process has already been undertaken to and will be like. identify these innovative systems, including houses That in itself is going to make the project of keen designed and prefabricated off site. interest to the wider construction industry but, on a The project is an ideal way of assessing the local level, should see a developing relationship with cost, energy performances and flexibility of the new schools, increasing awareness of modern house design systems. The tenants should also benefit from the new and, hopefully, inspiring future career choices. solutions very quickly and their feedback will help With these community benefits in mind, an open shape the way future affordable housing is delivered. family fun weekend is being organised to allow the But while the project allows developers to public access to view the properties and the new demonstrate their unique selling points, a project systems in place, as well as providing an opportunity partnering group will support the related supply chain, to talk to suppliers about how they can integrate some identifying potential common product suppliers who of these into their own properties. could be used by all developers to standardise certain The selected partners in the project have already elements, such as windows and doors, kitchen units, signed a ‘Partnership Charter’ with one of the key aims bathroom fittings etc. being to “work together to improve the quality of the Such standardisation, where appropriate, would homes we provide, achieve better value for money offer economies of scale and assist in demonstrating through more effective processes, to demonstrate integration of the house type as part of a larger added value and to focus on the customers’ needs”. project. This would be vital when trying to achieve That’s not just a worthy objective, it’s a vital one coherence in respect of the external appearance. for the future of house building in Fife and much This ‘Showcase’ of contemporary and future further afield. housing will be unveiled in the weeks before the properties are released for rent, in May next year, allowing the construction industry to present its innovative products as an exhibition.
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PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: From left, Douglas Herd, Construction director, Campion Homes; Alan McGuckin, chief executive, Kingdom Housing, and Councillor Brian Goodall, chair of Fife Housing Partnership and Fife Council’s Housing & Communities Committee.
Who’s doing what? Assist/Powerwall
CCG
David Blaikie Collarboration
Campion Homes
Powerwalls structural steel frame Volumetric System is designed to meet any client/architectural design. The system achieves high performance in thermal, acoustic and air-tightness specifications up to 22 storeys high. K2 off-site manufactured, closed panel wall panel system with the e.CORE central service module to optimise the use of home grown timber.
Jack Bobin (Developments)
Beco Wall Form Integrated Concrete Formwork - a monolithic, insulated concrete system of building is quick to construct, yet offers higher levels of performance available from more traditional approaches to building.
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CCG’s iQ System delivers closed panel, timber frame, wall, roof and floor cassette panels for domestic and non-domestic buildings. The facility can deliver low energy, low carbon, zero carbon and Passivhaus building performance levels. Val-U-Therm™ is based on timber frame – the most widely used structural building method in the world. By adopting a ‘fabric first’ approach, the system produces a building with improved thermal performance, improved environmental credentials, improved buildability/ better detailing and sustainability Benefits
Cube Re:treat
The buildings, once erected, can be finished, and incorporate, any material (brick, steel, render, glass, timber cladding etc), so as to produce an aesthetically pleasing building that will not only be comfortable to live in, but also efficient to heat. The pre-assembled panels can be utilised for walls, floor and roof, therefore allowing each project to be constructed quickly, and to a quality factory finish, thus reducing the time on site.
Timeline… October 2010
Idea put forward by Kingdom Housing Association
December 2010
All partners on board
March 2011
Formal approval from Scottish Government
August 2011
Advance work starts
Now
Detailed proposals for all house systems being prepared and programme of events being progressed
November 2011
Main works due to start and site servicing works completed
November onwards
House systems begin to be erected on site
April/May 2012
Project completed
May/June 2012
Lomond Homes
Exhibition within site to showcase products, services and technology related to modern methods of construction
The Lomond Breathing Wall system is a Modern Method of Construction (MMC), using ‘fabric first’ principles to deliver affordable performance. All of this is achieved without substantially thicker walls, and by using familiar building methods. The system also brings added health benefits, since the constant background ventilation maintains a low level of relative humidity, and thus a healthier living environment.
Metcon
Metcon is an offsite manufacturer of light gauge steel building systems. This is a 60% recycled product and 100% recyclable. It supplies an innovative high performing building system, achieving the requirements for the Code of Sustainability 4.
Stewart Milne Construction
Stewart Milne Group is proposing to use the Sigma II Building System, with a range of complementary innovation options. The focus is on higher levels of prefabrication, to reduce build process and material waste and a ‘fabric first’ approach to carbon compliance, resulting in easy to use, affordable, comfortable and low maintenance affordable housing.
To find out more about the project, go to www.housinginnovationshowcase.co.uk
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ON BOARD: pupils try out the game.
Enterprising school challenge is all fun and games
C
Board game sets out to teach young Fifers about business 10
LASSROOM lessons about business, enterprise and the local economy will soon be more fun thanks to a new game. The Fife Economy “Schools Enterprise Game” is being launched this month by the Fife Economy Partnership and is a new tool to help teach young people about life in the business world. The game is an example of how the region is leading the way in early engagement with young people, encouraging them and their schools to be more enterprising. It also illustrates the way in which enterprise education in the area is being developed with the participation of local businesses through the Fife’s Culture of Enterprise Framework. The game involves young people ‘running’ their own business in groups and using their entrepreneurial skills to make their enterprise as successful
as possible, overcoming problems and making decisions about how best to reinvest any profits. Through this they discover how businesses operate, learn enterprising skills and qualities and begin to understand a range of economic ideas like cost, profit, risk, investment and customer-supplier relationships. The Fife game has been customised to reflect the local economy, with production costs supported by local businesses. There will be formal launch by Dr Alasdair Allan, the Minister for Learning & Skills, at the opening event of Fife Business Week on November 8. Attendees will see the game in action and also hear from some local young people presenting their ideas for enhancing understanding of enterprise in schools and how they can engage more effectively with local businesses.
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Why use Business Medical Limited? We are accredited professional specialists with the knowledge and
expertise in occupational health to provide you with the advice that you need. Using our advice on your employees’ health and fitness, you can then make sound decisions about the employees in your workplace. We will provide you with a dependable, quality and personal service according to your company needs.
Where we operate from: We can see your employees at your company (if there is suitable office accommodation) to reduce time of the employees away from the workplace. This also means that it is possible for us to meet and talk to the managers and see workplace problems at first hand. Or we can see employees at our office base in Dunfermline or at other venues in Stirling, Edinburgh or Dundee.
Business Medical, 9 Dewar House, Enterprise Way, Carnegie Campus, Dunfermline, KY11 8PY Phone: 01383 733740 • Fax: 01383 660298 • Email: info@businessmedical.co.uk • www.businessmedical.co.uk
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Something different is arriving in the Forth Valley Visit your new local branches in Stirling and Falkirk soon.
Issued by HSBC Bank plc. 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ. ©HSBC Bank plc 2011. All Rights Reserved. AC 22265
New websites showcase strengths and opportunities Fife’s business attractions available at your fingertips INVEST in Fife’s new comprehensive website is continuing to expand. The website went live in May and is designed to be an online source of information for companies and organisations looking to locate to Fife and for existing Fife businesses wanting to expand. Features include: an interactive map land and property search financial grant eligibility local business support groups. A new addition is a series of videos from companies talking about the benefits of being located in Fife. The site was launched at the All Energy Exhibition and Conference in Aberdeen at the same time as a sister website dedicated to the renewables sector. It also has an interactive map providing a search facility on the region’s renewables projects, while a local company directory provides information on renewables businesses, showcasing the expertise, experience and skills of the local workforce. The site also spotlights Fifes colleges and their work with the industry to develop training courses to ensure a highly skilled workforce for the future. You can find the websites at www.investinfife.co.uk and www.investinfiferenewables.co.uk
Find out more
Annual success
INVEST in Fife offers a ‘one-stop’ free and confidential service, providing advice on an extensive range of issues, from finding the right location to recruitment.
THE annual report for 2010/11 produced by Invest in Fife reveals it secured 948 jobs, compared to its annual target of 500 per annum, and increased investment in the Fife Economy by £81,000,000.
To find out more about locating or expanding your business in Fife, contact: Ross Mackenzie, Lead Officer Investment, on 08451 555 555 ext 492178 or email ross.mackenzie@ fife.gov.uk You can also follow Invest in Fife on Twitter: @investinfife
The team plans to build on this success in the coming year by focusing on the key strategic areas of renewables, tourism and finance and business sectors. You can get a copy of the annual report by emailing enquiries@ investinfife.co.uk or by visiting the website
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MISSION:
‘PROCUREMENT’— the very
word can inspire terror, frustration and anger in a small business…
Well, it’s time to change that perception; SMEs are a crucial element of the public procurement market. As well as being able to provide high quality services, they are able to respond swiftly to changes in the market, as well as bringing invaluable local knowledge. Vital to have on board and key to local economies and employment, SMEs have help at hand for accessing the public sector market – the Supplier Development Programme (SDP). Sceptics will argue that if you need a special programme to guide you through everything from your PQQ to your ITT then the system is already too complicated. Granted, it can appear a little intimidating, until you familiarise yourself with the process, but there are good reasons for that. Firstly, the public sector spends billions of pounds of public funds; that cash comes from taxes or, to look at it another way, your hard-earned money. That in itself deserves safeguards and protection. Also, the entire process is subject to audit and is controlled by EU and UK legislation. That means everything is accountable, not just to Government but you, the electorate. But safeguards can appear as barriers and that’s where the SDP comes in. It was set up in 2006 following a ‘business needs’ survey. This highlighted that procurement within the public sector was a high priority for SMEs but also one which involved barriers when it came to engagement in the tendering process. The SDP is now well established as a business growth initiative which, in partnership, delivers a range of specialist business support activities including the provision of advice, information and training support with the aim of assisting businesses to become more capable of accessing and competing for public sector contracts. Fife Council’s Economic Development team has been a real driving force as one of 26 local authority partners, signed up to the SDP to encourage and assist businesses in accessing the public procurement market via activities geared to the specific needs of SMEs regardless of what stage of development they may be at. The SDP wants to engage with companies that are considering the possibility of tendering for public sector contracts, already tendering but want to improve their performance, or successfully tendering and are looking for new markets.
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“Safeguards can appear as barriers and that’s where the SDP comes in.”
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Building this relationship with suppliers will, in turn, increase awareness by providing information on buyer and contract opportunities, providing education and training in all aspects of winning tenders and continually developing in line with any new process in procurement. A main component in that is building up the level of SME registration. The more who sign up then the healthier the tendering buzz - and the greater the options for all concerned, such as increasing the volume of crossmember collaborative bids. The Suppliers Register has three purposes and it is where you want to be, and need to be! It’s there for buyers to use as a resource when looking for suppliers, goods and services; for suppliers looking for suitable suppliers to source from or to work with on collaborative bids, and to help the SDP shape a more tailored programme depending on the needs of the member suppliers Since Fife is already one of the partner authorities, then any SME from the Kingdom can access the benefits of the SDP. In addition to the national Supplier Development Program Website a local level microsite has been developed to better address the needs of the local business community, providing information on Fife Council procurement practices, current contracts and potential for subcontracting opportunities linked to the Fife Council capital investment programe. You’ll be eligible to attend any SDP events in any area. And these cover many aspects of procurement training from policy workshops to tender writing to seminars and exhibitions bringing you the buyers from many public sector organisations. As a registered supplier you will have access to all the information contained on the website such as buyer listings and contact details, downloadable guides and forthcoming events and on-line booking. Through the SDP and the events it offers, the apparent ‘red tape’ will drop away and you’ll have a much better understanding of how public sector tendering works and what buyers are looking for – as well as how to find relevant opportunities in your sector and obtain the practical guidance to assist the bidding process. After that, it’s down to you to show what you do best. Mission possible! Now visit: http://www.sdpscotland.co.uk/home.aspx
Top tips The SDP website and the events it runs can help you get to grips with the best way to tender but here are some basic tips for starters.
Only bid for work that you are sure you can do.
Make sure you know what format you will have to use to fill in the buyer’s documents and the timescales.
Plan and cost the full extent of delivering the contract.
Always provide the information you are asked for and make sure you accurately answer all the questions.
Plan your bid around the timetable the buyer gives you.
Remember that at the Invitation to Tender stage you will want your response to be better than that proposed by your competitors.
Remember, your bid will be evaluated only on the information you provide.
Be patient, as the procedure can take months.
Delivering the contract helps build your reputation.
It is important that suppliers seek and receive constructive feedback to help improve future bidding.
Love My Tender Fife has just run a number of ‘Love My Tender’ workshops but keep an eye on the SDP website events’ section for more dates. There will also be a Health and Safety Policy workshop on Thursday, November 10, and an Environmental Policy workshop on Wednesday, November 23 in Fife. Other seminars include a Guide to Procurement in Falkirk on Tuesday, October 18, and in Dundee on October 19, while a series of three ‘Love My Tender’ workshops begins in Edinburgh on Tuesday, November 1.
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New ‘agony aunts’ for Fife businesses Free consultations to help with personnel problems
A
TRIO of HR (Human Resource) and employment law ‘agony aunts’ has launched a monthly surgery to provide companies with free half-hour consultations on HR issues. The sessions are the latest move by business development and support company Impact 21 to ensure that businesses have access to specialist help and information, whatever their query. Caroline Rochford, Michelle Austin and Amanda Galashan each runs a specialist HR or employment law practice covering issues like contracts of employment, equality, disciplinary and dismissal procedures, redundancy and reorganization, and development of staff through best principles of Investors in People and HR management techniques. Joyce Duncan, managing director of Impact 21, said: “HR issues are worrying for businesses and can often seem complex. “Having professional assistance easily available and free is a valuable opportunity for companies to get objective advice.” The team will also publish a regular column in Fife Business Matters (see page 34). The surgeries run monthly rotating between Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes, where the next one will be held on November 9. To book, call Impact 21 on 01592 858333 or email enquiries@impact21.co.uk
ON THE COUCH: ‘Agony aunts’, from left, Caroline Rochford, Michelle Austin and Amanda Galashan with Carron Smith, development manager for Impact 21.
ON at Fife On at Fife offers meeting room/conference centre facilities in four Theatre venues across Fife: Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline; Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy; Rothes Halls, Glenrothes and Lochgelly Centre.*
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Each of the venues has its own character and style, meaning we can meet varying demands and needs for our business clients. Our facilities provide a range of meeting rooms, auditoriums and gallery with capacities from 10 to 620 seated, or 1,250 standing. These spaces are adaptable for trade shows, training, conferences, presentations and corporate banqueting events, etc.
On Fife Corporate Hospitality We also offer excellent corporate/staff hospitality packages. Our low cost Fife150 business sponsorship option provides a unique solution for conferences & hiring, as well as corporate hospitality. Find out more at www.onfife.com/ fife150 or email bill.mair@onfife.com.
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* Reopening Spring 2012
Hold your next event at one of our theatre venues and choose from a varied and distinctive range of meeting, conference and exhibition facilities. Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, Lochgelly Centre and Rothes Halls, Glenrothes each offer superb technical back-up, freshly prepared catering and competitive prices. For further information please call 01592 612121 or visit
www.onfife.com
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New director and
Tap into ambition Do you have a shortterm project you need progressed in your business?
recruitment executive appointments at Fife Chamber
Maybe website development, strategy review, product design, marketing implementation – the list is endless. An exciting new partnership between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils Scotland and a consortium of educational establishments can help you tap into the expertise of an ambitious, enthusiastic student to suit your project needs.
Shona Austin
The programme is being supported in Fife by Adam Smith College and Elmwood College. Students will also be available from Dundee College, Abertay University, Forth Valley College and West Lothian College – all within a commutable distance from Fife businesses. A key focus of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) is to ensure Chambers’ members are introduced to the initiative. To find out more or register to participate, contact Fiona McCann at fmccann@scottishchambers.org.uk
Sharon Hopkinson
ife Chamber of Commerce has appointed Shona Austin, a Chartered Banker, as a new director. Shona brings added strength to the board from the financial sector as senior manager commercial, Fife, for Lloyds Banking Group. Since October 2009 her role has included dual responsibilities for both Bank of Scotland and Lloyds TSB Scotland SME customers in the area. Her wealth of experience has been gained working mainly with SME sector customers for more than 20 years. While currently seconded to Susan Rice, managing director, Lloyds Banking Group Scotland, in Edinburgh, Shona will return to her Kirkcaldy base in the spring of 2012. She worked for Clydesdale Bank before to moving to Bank of Scotland in 2002. Shona is a volunteer with Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust and a business mentor, via the British Bankers Association, Task Force. Born and brought up in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, she lives in Alloa. Fife Chamber Chief Executive Alan Russell said: “I am delighted to welcome Shona and am sure she will make a valuable addition to our current board of directors.” Another new appointment at the Chamber is Sharon Hopkinson as membership recruitment executive. Sharon’s role will be to identify potential new members, grow the membership base and ensure that existing members maximise the benefits of Chamber membership. She will already be familiar to many members as an active member and regular attendee at Chamber events representing the Engineering Development Trust and My Pinkie Promise.
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Scotland’s strategic sea route
SETTING SAIL: DFDS sails three times a week to Belgium
Rosyth’s freight ferry service opens up mainland Europe to Scotland and provides a direct link for exports. EXPORTING for Fife companies is a market that has never been easier to explore thanks to support at both regional and national level. For example, Fife Council’s Economic Development team is working with Scottish Development International (SDI) promoting the SDI Intelligent Exporter Toolkit, linking in with the government’s strategic aims to increase exports from Scotland. With the ferry terminal at Rosyth, Fife firms have the advantage of having Scotland’s only direct service to Europe through Zeebrugge in Belgium on their doorstep. And with rocketing fuel prices and increasing pressure on businesses to reduce their environmental impact, exporting through Rosyth makes economic sense, saving drives of hundreds of miles to ports south of the border. Allan Hull, route director for DFDS Seaways, which took over the service in July 2010, said volumes of exports and imports have been increasing, with whisky, paper, food grade
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products and tyres all being transported through the Firth of Forth facility. DFDS currently operates a driver unaccompanied service, sailing three times a week to Belgium. “Demand drives the service we provide,” said Allan. “Our aim is to establish a sustainable link between Rosyth and Belgium and we can only increase the size of the ship offered or the number of sailings if the support is there from Scottish industry.” Another aspect that Fife Council is keen for local businesses to explore is collaborative freight use, so that businesses that would like to export could work together to share freight logistics. Here we look at how one company has prospered through being able to transport through Rosyth. For more information contact: DFDS Rosyth Tel 01383 411270 or email rosyth@dfds.com
CASE STUDY: Duncan Adams
A company which has grown as a direct result of having Rosyth as the gateway to Europe is haulage firm Duncan Adams. The family-run business has diversified over the years from its early days of transporting timber to also take in container imports and other products associated with local industry sectors. Products handled include loaded and empty container imports, timber, petrochemicals, drinks, pallets through Palletways Network, steel and oil well equipment from mainly Belgium, Holland, Northern France and Germany. Previously the Grangemouth-based company had to travel to and from Teesport, 180 miles away in Middlesborough, but has operated through Rosyth since the initial freight ferry service began. As well as environmental benefits from a reduced carbon footprint, there are hard business gains – cost savings from using less fuel and greater volume of products allow it to give customers more competitive pricing, which translates into winning more business. Each month they have approximately 170 trailers going through Rosyth, servicing all parts of Scotland, in particular Fife, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeenshire “We have gained business directly because of the volume we can do in and out of Rosyth,” said Richard Workman, Duncan Adams’ European manager. “Our customers need confidence in the service which Duncan Adams offers and DFDS remaining in place in Rosyth and providing a consistent and permanent freight service is the key to growing our business – Rosyth is Scotland’s gateway to Europe”
Maximising benefits from Forth replacement crossing
FIFE Council and Fife Chamber of Commerce have committed to encourage business opportunities to generate and support jobs linked to the new Forth Replacement Crossing. In a joint statement, they said: “The Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) is a major infrastructure project for Scotland, designed to safeguard a vital connection in the country’s transport network. “Aside from the obvious economic benefits that this will bring for many decades to come, it important that, in the shorter term, we also realise the maximum community benefits for those local areas near to the works. “Therefore, during the lifetime of the project, Fife Council and Edinburgh City Council, in partnership with key stakeholders representing interests from both north and south of the Forth, will work closely with the consortium, Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) to offer a variety of business supply chain, education, training and employment opportunities, including site-based training, student work placements, visits, lectures and sponsorship of special projects. “Fife Council, Enterprise and Protective Services, acting as lead coordinator, and Fife Chamber of Commerce are working with Transport Scotland and the Main Contractors to highlight stakeholder and business information events to help Fife companies identify and secure contract opportunities. It is hoped that these could generate and support jobs in the area.” For more information on stakeholder and business information events visit: www.fifechamber.co.uk/events For FRC developments and future vision visit: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/ projects/forth-replacement-crossing
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Coffee, tea or the latest inflight entertainment? Fife company’s new product puts movies and games in the hands of airline passengers TEAMWORK: From left: George Sneddon, Fife Council, Councillor Tony Martin, David Brown AViIT and Peter Livingstone, Impact 21
Showcasing support services Business Gateway showcased its services and demonstrated how it supports Fife companies’ growth and development ambitions at a recent event in Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline. Speakers highlighted the financial support available to business through the Fife Investment Fund and the East of Scotland Investment Fund; the Expert Help programme, which provides companies with funded specialist help in areas such as marketing, logistics and IT; training workshops, and Business Advisors, who can help with information, strategic advice and networking. Joyce Duncan, managing director of Impact 21, which delivers the Business Gateway service in Fife, on behalf of Fife Council, said: “Once companies reach a certain stage of development, they often assume that they are no longer eligible for help. Our message is that they could be missing out on practical help and advice, financial assistance or objective strategic advice.” Business Gateway services and events are free and are delivered throughout Fife. For more information contact: 01592 858333 or email success@bgfife.co.uk
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D
UNFERMLINE aviation software specialist AviIT is flying high with its latest ‘Bluebox’ inflight entertainment product . Based on tablet devices such as the Apple iPad, the Bluebox system allows passengers to access a massive range of movies, television programmes, audio and games and has been developed over the last three years. Nearly two thousand have been supplied on Windows-based tablets to a number of airlines but the advent of the iPad has seen interest take-off, with 1000 units heading for a trial with one of the world’s major international airlines and a further 3000 ordered by Australian airline Jetstar. “We’re the only company in the UK that designs, builds and supplies this type of product,” said managing director David Brown. The units are attractive to the airlines as either an additional revenue source where passengers rent them during a flight or to provide a better service for premium passengers. Three hundred are currently in use with the low-cost airline Jet2.com in the UK and are available for rent on some of their routes out of Glasgow. AviIT, which has been going for just over six years after a management buyout, employs around 20 people, mostly in Dunfermline but also in the USA and England.
And David Brown is confident about the future. “Business has really grown over the past 12 months,” he said. “There’s a lot of interest in our products and we are recruiting steadily.” AviIT specialises in the aviation industry and its two other main products are software that enables aircraft engineers to access vital maintenance information and Archimedes, a product that collects data about an aircraft’s performance and reduces costs for the airline. AviIT’S latest success has come as a direct result of support from Business Gateway Fife. In order to show potential customers how the inflight entertainment product would work in practice, the company needed additional funding to supply demonstration models. “A grant and loan arranged through Business Gateway allowed us to buy a number of tablet devices as demonstration equipment. Being able to show them working and provide them for trial periods led directly to a number of airlines committing to buy them,” said managing director David Brown. For more information about Business Gateway services contact 01592 858333 or email success@bgfife.co.uk
OFFSHORE EUROPE: Fife companies on show
Making exhibitions work for your business Companies urged to take part in industry events Events attended this year by Fife Council groups included:
Recycling and Waste Management, Birmingham BBC Good Food, Glasgow Renewables UK, Glasgow Southern Manufacturing, Farnborough Eco Build, London All Energy, Aberdeen Offshore Europe, Aberdeen
For details of upcoming events go to www.fifedirect. org.uk/marketdevelopment
EXHIBITIONS can be a great way to market your goods and services but you don’t have to go it alone. Fife Council’s Market Development Programme provides practical support to help Fife companies participate in exhibitions and trade shows, which can be a direct link to existing and potential new customers. It organises group stands at major national and international events and has a range of
relevant services, from advice and information to customised training. The benefits include taking care of the organisation for the whole group, group savings on costs associated with attending and professional advice on pre-event planning. Market development grants are also available. Here we look at one Fife company’s experience:
Case study: Houston’s of Cupar ONE business to experience the benefits of attending an industry event is fabrication and engineering company Houston’s of Cupar. With more than 80 years’ experience, Houston’s expertise covers a wide range of industries, from marine engineering to steel making and renewables to oil exploration. In May this year it attended the All Energy Exhibition in Aberdeen with support from Fife Council. This included space on the Fife stand, help with its display design, on-site support, networking opportunities and financial assistance.
“In general, it was a very professional service which I found invaluable,” said Andy Curran, managing director. “I made four very good new contacts and reinforced a number of existing contacts.” This has translated into securing more than £45,000 in additional work and putting Houston’s in the running to win potential new business worth more than £100,000. “It was so worthwhile that we will be taking space at another event in Manchester at the end of this month,” Andy added.
For more information contact Alan McKay on 08451 555555 ext 492180 or email alan.mckay@fife.gov.uk
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Turning bright sparks into green energy
Taking renewable energy development from ‘Concept to Commercialisation’
New appointments at Green Business Fife
A
HIGH-profile conference is being held next month at Heriot Watt University to address how Scotland can achieve its ambitious target to generate 100 per cent of its electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020, At the Concept to Commercialisation conference on November 10, companies will be offered the opportunity to work in collaboration with experienced partners to prepare for the clean energy revolution. The conference is sponsored by East Coast Renewables, a strategic collaboration of local authorities across the East Coast of Scotland which aims to maximise the economic growth potential of the emerging renewable energy sector. On the day, companies will hear from a range of businesses and industry experts about successful commercialisation, including:
how to take your business idea from concept to delivery in the East of Scotland, including test and demonstration access to funding and support for renewable technology development projects the value of working with Scotland’s leading universities at the cutting edge of research and commercialisation the benefits of locating your business within the East Coast of Scotland.
Barbara Whiting, lead officer for Renewables at Fife Council, said: “The renewables industry in Fife is constantly evolving as more companies choose to locate in Fife or diversify their skills and experience to take advantage of the growing renewables market. “There are a number of major projects either planned or under construction in Fife, which have the potential to create up to 2000 green jobs by 2020. “This conference is an ideal way for companies to find out how they can join that number and what support and expertise is available to help them.” For more information, contact Barbara Whiting, lead officer – Renewables, Fife Council, Economic Development, 08451 555555 ext 492184, email Barbara.Whiting@fife.gov.uk
Green Business Fife has announced the appointment of two private sector business people as chair and vice-chair. Chris Bennett of ScotAsh Ltd, the UK’s leading manufacturer of environmentally friendly cements and other materials, takes on the role of chair. Vice-chair is Audrey Ellis of Muir Group, which is one of Scotland’s largest privately owned contracting companies. Green Business Fife is now one of the leading environmental business networks in the country, with more than 350 active members and a steering group that combines private and public sector and cuts across all business sectors To find out more about the network and its events, contact Dot Smith at dorothy.smith@fife.gov.uk
New start ups offered a green base Ore Valley Business Centre, which must be one of the most environmentally friendly locations for start-up businesses in Fife, is now open. The state-of-the-art centre in Main Street, Lochelly, uses cuttingedge design and is highly energy efficient, maximising solar gain and innovative environmental management technology to keep the building’s energy requirements to a minimum. Developed by Ore Valley Housing Association, the building has a variety of office spaces are available to rent including rooms designed for four, nine or 15-desk operations. All tenant organisations have access to a variety of shared facilities including the to-be-expected IT infrastructure and networking, secure 24-hour access, large conference room, two private meeting rooms, changing room with shower facilities and lift access to all floors. If you are interested finding out more, contact Nick Clark, business development manager, 01592 721 917 or email nclark@orevalleyha.org.uk 27
A Unique Venue For Your Business Event Set amid the rolling hills of Fife, Pitcairlie House is an ideal location for all kinds of corporate and business hospitality and events, including select private dinner parties (with a theme or entertainment if required), seminars, lectures or “away days”. Our country retreat setting offers an exclusive location for a board or management meeting.
Benfits include: • A warm and friendly welcome. • Attention is paid to detail to ensure success. • Confidentiality in all matters. • Custom tailored package to cater for all your requirements. • Use of wireless Internet. • Ability to walk around our 120 acre estate on maintained pathways. “Away Days” include: • Leadership. • The way forward. • Team building.
telephone 01337 827418 • mobile 07831 646157
www.pitcairlie-leisure.co.uk
First Post is a full Down Stream Access Postal organisation that provides an alternative to using Royal Mail direct. Handle all formats: Letter, Large Letter and Packet. 2 DAY SERVICE ACROSS SCOTLAND/CUMBRIA 3 DAY SERVICE ACROSS REST OF THE UK FULL RANGE OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SAVE UP TO 45% AGAINST ROYAL MAIL TARIFFS
Enquiries - firstpost@firstscottish.com
First Post St Davids House, St Davids Drive, Dalgety BAY, Fife KY11 9NB T: 01383 826 777
www.firstscottish.com
Bid to secure share of £809 million business tourism market
VisitScotland takes a circuit round Fife
T
HE UK and international conference business is worth £809 million to Scotland and Fife businesses hope to secure their share of that this year. Representatives of VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit toured the facilities in West Fife this summer and took a pitstop at Knockhill Racing Circuit before heading off to Keavil House Hotel and the purpose-built Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline. And in a visit to Central Fife, the team took in Beveridge Park Hotel in Kirkcaldy, Rothes Halls in Glenrothes, Old Manor Hotel in Lundin Links, the Bay Hotel in Kinghorn, and facilities in Aberdour. Ann Camus, Tourism Partnership Manager, Fife Council, said: “The team works every day with UK and international contacts on our behalf so visits like this are vital to promote Fife as a great business tourism destination.”
Lindsay Brown, UK Marketing Manager of VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit, said: “We are very impressed with what we have seen in Fife. “It appeals to many different markets, has facilities suitable for all kinds of conferences, product launches and corporate events and is well connected for travel from UK and international destinations.” During the year 2010/11, the Business Tourism Unit has referred 55 enquiries to Fife companies with a potential value of £121 million. The Fife Tourism Partnership is supported by Fife Council to help raise the profile of Fife as a tourist destination.
Man of mystery: Knockhill’s ‘Stig’ shows his hospitable side to Claire-Jayne Seller, left, and Belen Catalan from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit.
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Young entrepreneurs rise to the challenge
BRIGHT SPARKS: Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Fife Kirsty Patrick and runner-up Craig Keicher.
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Kirsty tops the field of up and coming Fife business bright sparks TWO Fife business whizz kids have been picked out for their ambition and drive. Last month Burntisland hair and beauty salon proprietor Kirsty Patrick (22) was named Fife’s 2011 Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Runner-up was Craig Keicher (25) who fulfilled a boyhood dream of running his own company when he set up CK Joinery three years ago and began building up a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Kirsty, who opened her salon Reflections in 2008, was presented with a £1000 cash prize by Ken Munro, HR Director - Warships of Babcock, sponsors of the winner’s award. “We all work hard to keep our customers coming back, building a friendly atmosphere is important and the team at Reflections is committed to maintaining a high standard of customer satisfaction,” said Kirsty. She now goes through to the national final in November. The Provost of Fife, Councillor Frances Melville presented Craig with a £500 cash prize on behalf of Fife Council. Both Kirsty and Craig received advice, support and funding from the PSYBT. The regional awards also recognised the expertise, mentoring advice and inspiration of aftercare adviser, Wendy Duckett, who was named Fife’s regional Volunteer of the Year. Speaking at the awards ceremony, PSYBT regional manager Fiona Turnbull said: “It is a huge challenge whatever your age to decide to set up your own business but we are seeing increasing numbers of young people who are willing to take this exciting step, and we feel privileged to be able to provide them with the funding and advice required to realise their self-employment ambition.” PSYBT Fife Region supported 37 businesses involving 39 individuals, awarding a total of £82,600 in loans and £6,898 in grants. The combined projected turnover in supported businesses is £1,423,763 61 full time and part time jobs have been created as a result of PSYBT support.
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Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre
Business as Usual Fife Council are undertaking the construction of additional business space at Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre complex within Mitchelston Industrial Estate, increasing the variety of premises available to Fife Companies. The existing tenants within Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre, Myregormie Place are still operating as “Business as Usual” and can be contacted as detailed for your business needs. Door Automation (Scotland) Ltd
Unit 1 Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF
0800 1120 280
Homefix Contracts Ltd
Unit 2 Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF
0800 043 8557
World of Parties
Unit 3 Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF
0845 468 1217
Inglis Insurance
Unit 4 Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF
01592 655699
SFM Ltd
Unit 6 Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF
01592 641771
Autochair Ltd
Unit 9 Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF
01592 655460
Unit 10 Scottish Fire & Security (Scotland) Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF Ltd
0870 760 6969
Easylife Roofline Solutions
Unit 11 Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF
0870 850 8021
Autotint Ltd
Unit 14 Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF
07739 316964
Kingdom Maintenance Services Ltd
Unit 15 Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF
07903 583356
Pro-Image Direct
Unit 16 Kirkcaldy Enterprise Centre KY1 3NF
01592 650003
Events Diary Event Chamber Members Showcase & Evans 10 year anniversary Renewable UK(the UK’s key strategic event for the renewables industry) How to manage and motivate people in the workplace. (Speaker Carters CA) (Breakfast Event) Making your business more profitable Trading Online
Venue Evans Business Centre, Mitchelston Industrial Estate, Kirkcaldy GMEC, Manchester
Date 19 October
Cluny Clays, Cluny
27 October
25-27 October Three stand packages.
Carnegie Conference 1 November Centre, Halbeath Business Gateway, 1 November Kingdom House, Saltire Centre The Hunt – joint Queensferry Hotel, 2 November networking event with North Queensferry Edinburgh Chamber (Lunch Event) Social Media – Beyond Dunfermline 4 November the Buzz Business Centre, Izatt Avenue, Dunfermline Fife Business Week Various venues 8-15 around Fife November Health & Safety Policy Workshop (morning + lunch) Managing Staff – Employment Law (what you need to know to keep up-todate) All insurance is not the same. (Speaker Borland Insurance) (Breakfast Event) Intellectual Property - How to protect your idea Waste Legislation (includes 2 local case studies) Environmental Awareness Workshop (morning + lunch) PR on a shoestring
Fife Chamber Christmas Lunch Fife Construction Forum & Green Business Fife -Christmas Get Together
Cost Free of charge to attend To exhibit costs £25 +VAT
Contact To book your exhibition space or to simply come along and network, contact the Chamber team on 01592 647740 or email kellylister@fifechamber.co.uk Details from Fiona Whyte, Tel: 08451 55 55 55, Ext: 406752, Mob: 07956 151 326, fiona. whyte@fife.gov.uk
Members £12 +VAT, To book your place contact kellylister@ Non members £20 fifechamber.co.uk or call 01592 647740. +VAT Alternatively you can book online at www. fifechamber.co.uk/events Free Free
To book www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333 To book www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333
Members £25 + VAT, Non members £50 +VAT
To book your place contact kellylister@ fifechamber.co.uk or book online at www. fifechamber.co.uk/events
Free
To book www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333
Full details of all events at www. fifebusinessweek.co.uk
Kingdom House, Saltire Centre, Glenrothes Business Gateway, Kingdom House, Saltire Centre
10 November
Many events are free – see website for details Free of charge
10 November
Free
Dunnikier House Hotel, Kirkcaldy
10 November
Business Gateway, Kingdom House, Saltire Centre To be arranged
11 November
Members £12 +VAT, To book your place contact kellylister@ Non members £20 fifechamber.co.uk or call 01592 647740. +VAT Alternatively you can book online at www. fifechamber.co.uk/events Free To book www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333
22 November
Free
To book please contact Dorothy.Smith@fife. gov.uk
Kingdom House, Saltire Centre,Glenrothes Business Gateway, Kingdom House, Saltire Centre Best Western Keavil House Hotel, Crossford Best Western Keavil House Hotel, Crossford
23 November
Free of charge
1 December
Free
To book: http://www.sdpscotland.co.uk/ events/events-list/environmental-policyworkshop-fife.aspx To book www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333
8 December
Members £25 +VAT, Non members £40 +VAT Free (includes complimentary drink and light buffet)
8 December (6-8pm)
To book: http://www.sdpscotland.co.uk/ events/events-list/health-and-safety-policyworkshop-fife.aspx To book www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333
To book your place contact kellylister@ fifechamber.co.uk or call 01592 647740. To book please contact Dorothy.Smith@fife. gov.uk
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Dear HR Agony Aunts In this new feature, Impact 21’s HR and employment law ‘agony aunts’ (see page 18) answer problems from the business community
Q
Dear Impact 21 HR Support, I promoted my Office Administrator to Office Manager, but she’s not up to the job. I’ve told her what she is doing wrong but nothing changes and I can’t afford to keep someone on who’s not doing what’s needed. Can I give her a written warning? Yours, Frustrated Director
A
Dear Frustrated, It is good practice to first have an informal meeting and explain your concerns. Maybe there’s a communication or training issue. Make sure she understands her role with a job description, which states all the duties and expectations. Use this to explain how she is not meeting the requirements and the impact this is having. Then, discuss and agree how you move forward, explaining how she can improve, and agree when you are going to review her performance again. If, after this review, there is still no improvement then you may want to instigate your formal process.
Q For more specific information or to discuss a particular problem, contact Caroline, Michelle or Amanda through Impact 21 on 01592 858333 or email enquiries@impact21.co.uk The problems described here do not constitute legal advice on any particular situation you or your business may have.
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Dear Impact 21 HR Support, I have an employee who has a disability and is currently on longterm sick. What obligations do I have as an employer? Yours, Concerned
A
Dear Concerned, Initially you should follow your sickness absence policy. Regardless of the length of absence, make sure you stay in contact; this is especially important when someone is off work for a long period. If their absence is related to a disability, they are protected from any form of discrimination. Review any specific advice included on the “fit note” issued by the GP – you might need to make temporary changes at work to accommodate the individual’s condition. Failure to comply with one of these could amount to discrimination so you must discuss such adjustments with the worker. You should also get up-to-date medical information, and discuss this with them prior to their return to work.
01592 644316
Want to grow your business? We can help. Ambitious young company or already well established? Business Gateway can provide you access to a range of professional services designed to help take your business forward: everything from mentoring, peer support and networking opportunities, to market research, financial planning and recruitment and training. Not only that, because we have a team of industry-experienced advisers we can
quickly and expertly identify which of our services will most benefit your core business objectives, tailoring our support to meet your needs. Add to this our information-rich website and a programme of local workshops, events and networking opportunities, and it’s easy to see why more and more businesses are turning to us as their gateway to business expertise.
Grow your business with our support. Visit www.bgateway.com or call 0845 609 6611. Alternatively contact your local office on 01592 858 333.
your gateway to business expertise Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations. Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p per minute.