Fife business matters issue 28 issuu

ISSUE 28 • AUTUMN 2014

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS: hear more success stories

FIFE BUSINESS MATTERS

FIFE BUSINESS WEEK

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WELCOME

Contents

to Fife Business Matters

P4

Havelock Europa PLC invests in its future

WELCOME to the latest edition of Fife Business Matters which sees the launch of Fife Business Week 2014.

Back for its fifth consecutive year, Fife Business Week (10 - 14 November) offers an ambitious and exciting programme of business events, seminars, workshops, masterclasses and networking opportunities that will bring together businesses and public sector organisations in a bid to promote the region’s business development support offerings.

We’re also delighted to announce the launch of the Fife Economy Partnership Fife Business Awards, to be delivered in March 2015. As a region we have much to be proud of and the awards offer an opportunity to celebrate the successes of new, existing and up and coming businesses and I hope many of them will consider putting themselves forward in one or more of the categories.

This issue of FBM is packed full of interesting news and features which I hope you will find time to read. As ever, our local economy is one that thrives on the eclectic mix of businesses that operate from bases across Fife and we’ve selected some of the best news and features to share with you.

We hear from Havelock, a large, established business with investment plans as well as new start-up businesses including Tempting Boutique Bakery, which secured funding from PTYBS, and Willow & Plum Soap Co., which set up with support from the Create in Fife Fund.

Our focus on young people remains as we continue to think out of the box to embrace the younger generation. As part of Fife Council’s Culture of Enterprise Framework, a new range of initiatives are being introduced to give young people the best possible start in life.

As we continue to focus on making the region the best place to do business, events such as Fife Business Week and the Fife Business Awards form a foundation to further grow, develop and celebrate our successes. Please do come and join us.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Fife Business Matters.

P7

Fife Business Week returns

P8

Business Services – Businesses are looking to Employee Ownership as an exit route

P10

PTYBS supports start up with a recipe for success

P11

Steadvale Air Systems grows with helping hand from MDP

P12

Fife firmly on the map for visitors to Open 2015

P13

Fife Business Awards

P14

A successful year for business investment

P15

Fife Chamber announces new President

P18-19

Business Gateway Fife update

P21

FBM meets Eilidh Smith, Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort

P22

Enterprise & Manufacturing Challenge extended to all local primary schools

P27

Federation of Small Businesses: auto enrolment is here

P28

WIN tickets to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships

P30

Green Business Fife update

P34-35

Events Diary

Chris Parr, Chairman, Fife Economy Partnership

Publisher: DTech Publishing Ltd Fife Business Matters is published by DTech Publishing 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 sub-agents 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 DTech Publishing Limited.

Fife Business Matters is published on behalf of the Fife Economy Partnership and is funded by Fife Council To send us your stories or request a copy email: editor@fifebusinessmatters.co.uk To advertise Telephone 01436 678808/671133 email: sales@dtechuk.com

3

Havelock Europa PLC invests in its future FOR over 50 years, Havelock Europa PLC has been a leading provider of interiors solutions in both the UK and international markets for the retail, education, financial services, accommodation and healthcare sectors.

While not all of those years has seen the group report profits – it has battled difficult market conditions since 2009 – the business has recently reduced its debt, increased efficiencies and is now in a position to start reinvesting in technology and people.

People are very much at the heart of the business, from the staff who have worked at the Group’s Kirkcaldy manufacturing site for over 45 years to its most recent employees emerging through the dedicated apprenticeship programme, Havelock Academy.

This year saw the introduction of new graduate roles with the recruitment of five graduates into specialist positions, helping 80 project managers to deliver over 3000 projects which, combined with Havelock’s long-standing community giving initiatives, demonstrates its commitment to young people. This matters not only to its customers in Fife, but to those across the UK and Europe.

Leading the business and playing an integral role in its turnaround is Eric Prescott, Chief Executive of Havelock Europa, who joined in September 2010 having previously been UK President 4

and Managing Director of Alstom Transport and Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Rail Infrastructure Services.

Eric said: “It has been a challenging few years for the business. Working closely with a number of sectors, for example, retail and financial services which have experienced such difficult periods of trading, has had a knock-on effect for us, but we’re starting to see customer activity pick up with many companies investing here and abroad.”

Havelock Europa, which includes Marks and Spencer, Primark, Alliance Boots and Tesco amongst its client base, has recently appointed an international business development director based in Shanghai as it seeks to grow its international business further.

Eric added: “Over the last three years, we have worked hard to reduce debt and increase profitability, with the support of our workforce. I’ve undertaken a series of roadshows to engage with our employees and to share the future vision, identifying and creating opportunities here and abroad.”

Some of the improvements to efficiency and product offering have come through the purchase of a £1 million laser cutting machine, which was supported by a Regional Selective Assistance grant, securing around 20-30 jobs in the process. The Group is also investing over £1m on a new Enterprise Resource Planning

(Left) Burntisland Primary School (Above) Dunfermline High School (Right) Eric Prescott, Chief Executive of Havelock Europa.

Programme which will align all its current processes and software into one system with the aim of improving efficiencies, customer service and its competitiveness in the market place.

Throughout this period, Havelock’s commitment to young people has remained constant, with its staff supporting a range of initiatives including Scottish Swimmers and its ‘Support a Rising Star Campaign’ which saw Havelock’s employees support three young local swimmers (able bodied and disabled) prepare for the Commonwealth Games. The company donated £5,000 initially, with a further £3,500 being raised through a range of workforce initiatives. These funds were divided between the three swimmers which included Craig Rodgie, who finished fifth in the final of the Commonwealth Games 200m Freestyle S14.

Starting in October, Havelock will work with Street Soccer Scotland which provides free support for children in areas experiencing high levels of poverty and to adults who are homeless or have had problems in their lives, through the delivery of football clubs in 16 locations across Scotland. Through this social interaction, coaching and mentoring is provided, with the help of partners, to give them skills that will help to integrate them back into society.

ESA McIntosh – Havelock Europa’s education specialist division – has been buoyed by a recent pick-up in local activity and has just

been awarded a project at Ellon Academy in Aberdeenshire, worth over £1 million.

In the pipeline, ESA is working on over £10m of Scottish education projects, to be delivered over the coming years. Alongside their national profile, ESA has a significant local profile, improved recently with the delivery of Auchmuty High School, Dunfermline High School and Burntisland Primary.

Eric said: “Our education service is working hard to secure significant volumes of work over the coming three years. We are optimistic that our strong catalogue of works, which includes Dunfermline High School, coupled with ongoing growth and new projects in the education sector, positions us favourably in the tendering process.”

He added: “We operate in a competitive market but we’re starting to see activity levels rise with customers reinvesting in property portfolios and an increase in enquiries, which gives me confidence in the future.”

Havelock Europa is committed to Fife and has a strong and productive relationship with Fife Council to secure opportunities for its 600-strong workforce and the future efficiencies of the business. www.havelockeuropa.com.

5

Two-way exchange is at the heart of innovative collaboration The Fife Knowledge Transfer Partnership has helped to co-ordinate the delivery of activities and business support to encourage the development and growth of more innovative, knowledge intensive businesses in the region through collaborations across the public, private and academic sectors.

The case studies below from Fife College and St Andrews University show the results achieved by successful engagement between education and industry.

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Knowledge Exchange helps to address future skills shortages in Life Science Sector

The University Of St Andrews lends its expertise to Fife businesses

Fife College and NHS Lothian staff coming together for the signing of the contract for the Science Training School.

Dr Stewart Warrender (left) joins Pfaudler Balfour’s Anthony Purdie and their intern, Benjamin Bower (right), in front of a completed vessel.

AN innovative partnership between Fife College and NHS Lothian is helping to address the future skills shortage within Scotland’s Life Science sector.

The two organisations have been working closely to develop a formal career progression process for staff at support worker level, enabling them to up their skills and qualifications within the healthcare science sector with the potential of accessing a part-time articulated Institute of Biomedical Scientist (IBMS) degree.

As well as joint delivery of courses – vocational and academic – staff from both establishments also jointly visit companies and establish training programmes that align with their business needs.

As a result, training arrangements have been secured with six life science companies and over 40 apprenticeships undertaken from both public and private sector organisations.

Working together has also helped to gain new perspectives on possible future directions for this collaboration with the most recent innovation being the establishment of The Science Training School; a bespoke facility based within St John’s Hospital, Livingston. The opportunity for employees of Scotland’s Life Science companies to undertake part-time training in a purpose-built facility based in the heart of clinical practice, whilst continuing to add value to the companies they work for, is unique in Scotland.

For more information, call Diane Ellis, Fife College on 01383 559089.

LEVEN based Pfaudler Balfour, the world leader in glass-lined reactor and storage vessels, has teamed up with the University of St Andrews as part of its continuous improvement and innovation initiative.

After contacting the University’s Knowledge Transfer Centre and explaining its requirement to make specific changes to a glass coating system, Pfaudler Balfour was guided to Dr Stewart Warrender of the School of Chemistry. With the relevant expertise and access to specialist equipment and the latest scientific research, Dr Warrender was the perfect candidate for the project. Together they successfully applied for a £5,000 Innovation Voucher, which bought access to Dr Warrender and his lab for a short proof of concept study. Due to its success, that initial study has now grown into a more in-depth collaborative development programme, with financial assistance from Scottish Enterprise. The collaboration is projected to make a real difference to the company: with reduced manufacturing costs, a £200,000 increase in turnover and up to 150 jobs safeguarded.

Contact KnowledgeTransfer@st-andrews.ac.uk to find out how the University of St Andrews can help your business or for more information on The Fife Knowledge Transfer Partnership, please contact Pamela Stevenson, Fife Council Economic Development: Pamela.stevenson@fife.gov.uk.

news in brief

/ HAINES WATTS SCOOPS ACCOUNTANCY AWARD

Fife Business Week returns for its fifth year A full week of events has been confirmed for the fifth annual Fife Business Week, which takes place from 10 to 14 November 2014.

The event is expected to attract wide support from local businesses and partner organisations through a week-long series of exciting and inspiring workshops, seminars, networking sessions, business breakfasts and events.

Delivered by Business Gateway Fife on behalf of the Fife Economy Partnership and supported by Fife Council Economic Development, the aim of this ambitious initiative is to help Fife businesses to succeed while making Fife the best place to do business.

Chris Parr, Chairman of Fife Economy Partnership, said:

“Fife Business Week continues to be a highlight in the Fife business calendar as its programme of events reflects the key issues of business today from social media, smart tourism projects and a meet the buyer event aimed at encouraging the local supply chain and making businesses aware of upcoming opportunities.

“Fife Council and the Fife Economy Partnership are ambitious to see the local economy flourish and hope that by supporting Fife Business Week, local businesses will benefit from the range of events and networking opportunities delivered in collaboration with the business community and partner organisations.”

Visit www.fifebusinessweek.co.uk for more information about the range of events available.

Fife skincare venture flying high JUST over a year ago, long-haul flight attendant, Lesley Reid, left the high life behind for the opportunity to run her own business, making and selling 100 per cent natural skincare products.

Lesley launched Willow & Plum Soap Co. with support from Business Gateway Fife through the Create in Fife Fund which helped cover the start-up costs including ingredients, packaging, pots and pans and the creation of a website.

Lesley said: “Business Gateway Fife has been fantastic.

I approached them with a business plan and met Charles Doeg-Smith, my business adviser, who helped channel my ideas; assisted with an application to Fife Council’s Create in Fife Fund, which covered my start-up costs; and booked me on a range of free workshops including bookkeeping. The support has been invaluable.”

Willow & Plum Soap Co. has just launched a new range of liquid soaps which adds to its range of soaps, lip balms and bath bombs which are available to

buy in stores across the UK and online at www.willowandplumsoapco.co.uk.

Lesley added: “The business is doing exceptionally well and each day we secure new sales. Over the coming months, we hope to start building a new workshop and welcome new stockists.”

The Create in Fife Fund gives financial support to creative businesses in Fife. The fund, managed and administered by Business Gateway Fife on behalf of Fife Council Economic Development, offers a 50 per cent contribution up to £1000. To find out more visit: www.bgateway.com/fife or call: 01592 858333.

Haines Watts has been crowned ‘Accountancy First of the Year 2014: SMEs’ at the recent FD Excellence Awards. The honour follows the firm’s success in the Auditor of the Year award category for the past two years, and makes it the first firm in the award’s ten year history, to have scooped the top honour in three consecutive years.

/ NEW PALLET MANUFACTURING PLANT FOR BURNTISLAND Fife-based packaging and logistics firm Scott Group is to embark on a £2.5 million site development project to relocate its pallet manufacturing facility.

The investment with Forth Ports, supported by a £250,000 Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise, will develop a six acre site in Burntisland. Plans for the site include converting the existing building into a stateof-the-art pallet manufacturing facility, as well as upgrades to the electricity supply serving the port and improvements to the surrounding hard standing areas.

/ SCARAMANGA PLAYS ROLE IN DISNEY BLOCKBUSTER Fife vintage goods retailer Scaramanga has been celebrating its role in the latest Disney blockbuster, Maleficent, providing more than 100 medieval-looking pieces for use as ‘action props’.

The retailer, which sells online and has stores in Edinburgh and St Andrews, as well as at its Cupar head office, provided a range of items including decorated vintage trunks and chests, brass boxes, painted bowls and printed bedspreads for filming back in 2012.

For more news in brief see P11

→

Lesley Reid, Willow and Plum.

7

Why business owners are looking to Employee Ownership as an exit route Continuing FBM’s business services series, Ruth Waters of business lawyers Young & Partners gives an insight into employee ownership as an exit route.

EMPLOYEE ownership is an effective exit option to business succession, but many know little about it.

When it comes to succession planning, most business owners will be aware of options to sell, pass on as a family business and/or to close the business. While each of these options have pros and cons in terms of tax implications, legacy, security of local employment and protection of the business itself, often none of these options quite fits the bill. Instead, more and more owner managers are turning to employee ownership as a practical and effective exit route.

Employee ownership gives employees the majority of the shares, either directly or through an employee benefits trust, which buys the business on their behalf to secure its future.

There are five key areas of employee ownership that may encourage business owners to consider it as a viable option: 1. Tax implications – from April 2014, business owners who sell the majority of their shares to an Employee Ownership Trust can do so with no Capital Gains Tax to pay. Employees in companies which are indirectly employee owned through the use of a Trust can enjoy tax free bonuses of up to £3,600 per annum from October 2014.

2. Legacy – employee ownership enables the business established to continue in the same location and with the same values, and provides loyal employees with the opportunity to take the business forward.

3. Staff retention – staff turnover and absenteeism are lower and productivity and innovation are higher in companies that are employee owned.

4. Recruitment in a competitive market – offering potential employees a stake in the outcome can help to attract the best talent.

5. Profitability – research has shown that employee owned companies are more profitable and more innovative.

In Fife, there are great examples of how employee owned companies have boosted business performance. Tullis Russell continues to thrive while textiles business Scott & Fyfe opted for employee ownership in 2012, to secure its long-term future.

If you’re a company owner thinking of selling your business and would like to find out more about employee ownership, call Young & Partners on: 01383 721621 or email: enquiries@businesslaw.co.uk.

Ruth Waters

8

A recipe for success FOR two young entrepreneurs it was their love of baking and confectionery that brought them together to open their first business.

Sarah Martin (23) and Rosie McGregor (23), launched Temptations Boutique Bakery in January with the help of The Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland (PTYBS) which provided a £5000 loan to purchase equipment and to refurbish new premises in Cupar.

Sarah explained: “We set-up in business in January and a friend recommended we approach The Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland for a loan, which we needed, as it’s expensive establishing a business, especially a bakery.

“The loan helped to fit out the shop which, when we got it, had no hot water. We’ve also bought an oven, service fridge and a special display fridge to showcase our range of handmade chocolates.”

The colleagues spent much of January and February preparing their business proposal and financial forecast which Marissa Yassen, their business adviser at PTYBS, helped them with.

Sarah added: “Marissa was a great help. She tightened up our business plan, kept us motivated and helped with the preparation for the panel presentation we had to secure a loan. We were really intimidated about presenting to five business people but it went so well. Our passion, talent and abilities must have shone through!”

Temptations Boutique Bakery, which offers a wide range of homemade creative chocolates, delightful small cakes and scrumptious sweets, has got off to a great start. On its launch day, it completed orders for eight novelty and celebratory cakes and has already made its first wedding cake, with a number of orders in the diary for next year too.

Sarah said: “Business is going better than expected and we have been overwhelmed by the support of the locals, especially on our launch night.

“I really enjoy going to work each day and working alongside Rosie. We’re very different in personality and skill set which we believe is a recipe for a successful business.

“We have achieved so much in such a short space of time.

We could never have done it without the support of Marissa and PTYBS.” PTYBS works closely with Business Gateway Fife to support young people aged 18 – 30 to start-up and grow in business. It provides essential funding and professional mentoring support including advice on writing a business plan, introductory finance training as well as offering loans of up to £5000 and grants of up to £1000.

To find out more about PTYBS visit: www.princes-trust.org.uk or email: marissa.yassen@princes-trust.org.uk. www.facebook.com/TemptationsTreats A selection of sweet treats by Temptations Boutique Bakery

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news in brief

Opportunities for market development A range of Steadvale’s machined components

Steadvale Air Systems grows with helping hand from MDP WHEN Steadvale Air Systems was looking to grow its business, it was Fife Council’s Market Development Programme (MDP) that provided much needed support.

In 2011 when the company first ‘stepped out’ to explore opportunities in different markets, it did so at the Offshore Europe Exhibition in Aberdeen as part of a MDP delegation. Three years on and Steadvale continues to work closely with MDP, attending a number of exhibitions, breakfast events, as well as seeking advice on Middle East markets.

Karen Robertson, Sales & Marketing Manager, Steadvale Air Systems explains: “Our aim is to diversify into new markets by promoting our manufacturing division more effectively. We’ve been working closely with Fife Council’s Market Development Programme to do that and All-Energy 2014 was a significant milestone which generated a number of positive leads. We couldn’t have done that without the support of MDP.” Later this year, Steadvale will visit Northern Manufacturing & Electronics 2014 in Manchester, and has also booked an exhibition stand for Southern Manufacturing 2015. www.steadvale.co.uk, enquiries@steadvale.co.uk

FIFE Council is building on the success of its Market Development Programme (MDP) by committing to group stands at the Northern Manufacturing & Electronics 2014 and Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2015.

In the last year, Fife Council’s Market Development Programme has led successful delegations to these events with attending companies generating enquiries and potential orders worth between £2 – £3 million over the next three to four years and beyond.

Pamela Stevenson, Lead Officer, Enterprise & Business Development at Fife Council, said: “The Northern and Southern Manufacturing exhibitions and conferences have created positive opportunities for Fife companies in recent years. As two of the biggest and most successful events in that sector, we have committed to supporting Fife companies by hosting group stands, enabling companies to attend, raise its profile and develop new market opportunities.”

Spaces are also available to attend a range of MDP events including:

OCTOBER 2014 • Northern Manufacturing & Electronics 2014, Event City, Manchester NOVEMBER 2014 • Advanced Engineering UK 2014, NEC, Birmingham FEBRUARY 2015 • Southern Manufacturing 2015, Fanborough, Hants SEPTEMBER 2015 • Offshore Europe 2015 – AECC, Aberdeen To find out more about the Market Development Programme and how it can help your business, contact: Alan McKay (03451 555555 ext 492180) or visit: www.fifedirect.org.uk/ marketdevelopment.

Steadvale Air Systems exhibited at All Energy 2014

/ ECLIPSE IP SET FOR MAJOR EXPANSION Eclipse IP is set for a major expansion, with the start of construction on new purpose-built premises in Rosyth. The security and safety services firm, which is hoping to double its turnover to more than £2 million a year once it has completed a move into the new premises, has been supported by a Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise.

/ NEW PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND Alistair Morris, Chief Executive of Pagan Osborne, has become the President of the Law Society of Scotland. Alistair has 21 years’ experience as a member of Council, the Society’s ruling body, and was on the President’s Committee and the Society’s Board, where he played an important part in directing the strategy of the organisation.

/ HYDROSPHERE BOASTS BOSIET CERTIFICATION A number of Hydrosphere’s technical sales and engineering staff have completed the Basic Offshore Safety Induction Emergency Training (BOSIET) at Fleetwood Offshore Survival Centre in Blackpool. The BOSIET qualification, which includes helicopter safety and escape, sea survival and fire-fighting and selfrescue training, is a requirement for those travelling to and from oil platforms.

/ LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER GAINS NATIONAL QUALIFICATION Fife based photographer, Caroline Trotter has gained a prestigious Licentiate qualification from the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP). To gain the licentiate, photographers must submit 20 images which are judged by some of the country’s leading photographers.

→

For more news in brief see P20

11

Surge in cycling tourism great opportunity for business HIGHLIGHTING local cycling routes, special attractions and facilities for cyclists is a lucrative way for Fife tourism to flourish. That’s according to the Fife Tourism Partnership, which is keen to see Fife’s reputation for outdoor activity continue to grow.

A series of route cards has been compiled to show cycling visitors how to see the very best of Fife. Whether they are super-

Gearing up for The Open (Back row (l-r) Ross McKenzie and Liam Barn. Middle row (l-r) Stephen Owen and Jonathan Dunbar. Front row (l-r) Ann Camus and Pamela Smith)

Fife firmly on the map for visitors to Open 2015 IT’S official, busy times are ahead for Fife tourism businesses when the British Open comes to St Andrews next July.

Representatives of the Fife Golf Partnership and Fife Council travelled to this year’s Open in Hoylake to showcase the full range of golf and tourist attractions in Fife and were inundated with enquiries from keen golf fans.

Liam Barn, project manager for the Fife Golf Partnership, said: “We had thousands of enquiries and were overwhelmed with the interest in golf courses, hotels, restaurants and other attractions in Fife.”

Stephen Owen, chair of the Fife Golf Partnership said: “We know that St Andrews and Fife already share a worldwide reputation for

golf, but it is good business to keep reaching out to new visitors.

“We took one of Fife’s new digital information kiosks to the event to let people explore Fife for themselves and the proof of interest was recorded by more than 6000 ‘hits’.”

Councillor Lesley Laird, Depute Leader and Executive Spokesperson for Economy and Planning, said: “Recognised as the home of golf, Fife wants to ensure that no matter what level the golfer is playing at, their golfing and visitor experience in Fife is the very best it can be so they can relax and focus on having a great time playing our wonderful courses and enjoying their stay in the Kingdom.”

fit riders or just enjoying a leisurely family afternoon cycle there is comprehensive information to help select one of nine routes.

Steve Brazendale, Chair of Outdoor Fife, said: “Each of the cycling routes offers something quite different to visitors and showcases the best of outdoor Fife. From a business point of view, these cycling routes also represent visitors on days out here and we should ensure that we are all offering great service and facilities that cyclists will appreciate and recommend to others.”

Councillor Lesley Laird, Depute Leader and Executive Spokesperson for Economy and Planning, said: “What better way to see round the number one outdoor destination than cycling through the Kingdom. With so many great things to see and do no wonder cycling in Fife has become such a popular choice for visitors as well as a healthy way to enjoy family days out.”

To download all of the cycling routes, please visit: www.outdoorfife.com.

Cycling at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve

12

The Fife Business Awards 2012: a shining example of Fife’s successful business sector

Fife Business Awards are back for 2015 Is this your year to shine?

THE Fife Economy Partnership Fife Business Awards launch on Monday 22 September and are promising to be bigger and better than ever before.

The bi-annual awards, now in their tenth year, are open to businesses of all sizes in all sectors operating in Fife and the range of award categories - including the Tourism award and Outstanding Performing Business - has been designed to be fully accessible to all businesses.

Chris Parr, Chair of the Fife Economy Partnership, the principal sponsors of the Awards said: “There are a large number of tremendous businesses within Fife and we hope as many as possible put themselves forward in one or more categories. The profile associated with these awards is highly attractive but so too is the motivational impact that they provide to newly formed businesses and to those who may be considering starting their own business.”

Chamber President John Silcock said: “The awards have grown significantly over the last decade and provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the success of businesses in Fife.”

The Adamson won the Most Enterprising StartUp Award previously. Its Director Julie Lewis said: “The team were delighted to receive a Fife Business Award. We thought it was a great thing to enter in to, and originally we were just pleased to be nominated.”

The Awards will take place on Thursday 19 March 2015 at Rothes Halls, Glenrothes and guests will be welcomed with a drinks reception followed by the Awards dinner, hosted by Fred MacAulay.

To discuss sponsorship and advertising opportunities please contact fifebusinessawards@entourageuk.com or telephone 0141 887 6181.

The Award categories for

BUSINE SS AWA R DS

the Fife Business Awards are:WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE Sponsored by National Oilwell Varco BEST EDUCATION & BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP Sponsored by Fife Council’s Culture of Enterprise Framework SUCCESS THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY Sponsored by Green Business Fife MOST ENTERPRISING START-UP COMPANY Sponsored by Business Gateway Fife TOURISM AWARD Sponsored by Forth Ports Limited BEST PERFORMING BUSINESS (UNDER 50 EMPLOYEES) Sponsored by Condies BEST PERFORMING BUSINESS (OVER 50 EMPLOYEES) Sponsored by FMC Technologies CREATE IN FIFE Sponsored by Fife Cultural Trust EXPORTING ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR Sponsorship still available EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICES Sponsorship still available SUCCESS THROUGH INNOVATION Sponsorship still available Applications are available to download from: www.fifechamber.co.uk

13

A successful year for business investment in Fife FIFE Council is hailing another highly successful year for major inward investment into the region, building on its ambition of making Fife the best place to do business.

The 2013/14 Invest in Fife annual report highlights that Fife secured £32 million of investment, 464 new jobs, and safeguarding of 275 jobs through securing ten major new inward investment projects.

During this period, Fife companies received £2.4 million in Regional Selective Assistance, helping create 119 new jobs and safeguarding 254 jobs. Investment related enquiries also increased by over a third during the last year; 124 enquiries were received in 2013/14 compared with 89 the previous year.

The energy industry in Fife has seen many positive developments with a number of global industry leaders expanding their presence in the region including global oil and gas services firm National Oilwell Varco (NOV). The company, which acquired Itasco Precision Ltd in 2013, has expanded operations at its NOV Flexibles factory in Glenrothes, creating 45 highly skilled positions complementing its major operations in Montrose and Aberdeen.

Jim Mullen, Company Director at NOV Flexibles said:

“We are delighted with the rapid rate of expansion at our facility in Glenrothes.

Fife is an ideal location with close proximity to other leading companies in the sector and the region is fast becoming the European centre of cladding and specialist welding for subsea equipment.

We are impressed by the quality and enthusiasm of the work force and are now looking at further capital investment in new equipment and facilities.”

Councillor Lesley Laird, Depute Council Leader and spokesperson for Economy and Planning said: “Fife Council and the Invest in Fife team are committed to supporting businesses in the Kingdom and making Fife the best place to do business.

“This year’s success outlines the importance of the team’s work against a still very challenging economic environment.

Maintaining our focus on growth and development in the region is important but so too is our continual drive to ensure Fife has availability of skilled labour, premises and appropriate infrastructure and logistical networks.

“Fife Council and Invest in Fife will continue to work with businesses to make them aware of the financial assistance

Cllr Lesley Laird with Jim Mullen of NOV Flexibles

options, advice and support available to them. The Council has a key part to play in working with the business community, Fife College and Opportunities Fife to provide a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of employers, not just for today, but for the future.”

To view the annual report, visit: www.investinfife.co.uk The UK’s first green data centre soon to be built in Glenrothes

Coming soon …

Watch this space for more information on the UK’s first green data centre, which has had full support of Fife planners and which detailed design is nearing completion. More details in the next issue of Fife Business Matters.

14

Fife Chamber announces new President John Silcock takes over Chamber presidency from John Kilgour

Export Documentation Services FIFE Chamber has successfully passed its British Chambers of Commerce inspection for its export documentation service. Carried out every two years, it assesses Fife Chamber’s systems and quality of documents it approves to ensure delivery of service guidelines are being adhered to.

The Chamber’s export documentation service provides EC Certificates of Origin, EUR1 and ATR and it stamps other documents such as invoices and contracts, which are often required for commercial purposes as evidence of origin of the goods.

FIFE Chamber of Commerce appointed a new President at its 2014 AGM and Fife business showcase.

John Silcock has taken over presidential duties, having served as a director since 2009, from John Kilgour who served as President for the past two years.

Mr Kilgour said: “It has been a great pleasure and challenge to carry the responsibility of being Fife Chamber President. These years have not been the easiest in the Chamber’s history, but with ongoing support from our fantastic staff, directors and our members, the Chamber has continued to successfully support the Fife business community.

“John Silcock has been involved with the Chamber for a number of years and I know he will make a successful President.”

John Silcock said: “It will be a great honour to serve as President of Fife Chamber of Commerce,

and I hope to be as effective in the role and achieve the same levels of success as our previous Presidents.

“Fife Chamber is fully committed to working with all businesses in Fife - businesses in all sectors, of all sizes, in all areas of Fife to further grow the Fife economy.”

John has laid out his plans for the future, committing the Chamber to focus on: • Promoting business engagement and leadership in education, training and skills • Broadening the recovery base through increasing international trade • Lobbying for increased investment in improved infrastructure and communications • Promoting efforts to reduce energy costs and consumption • Taking advantage of opportunities in local procurement presented by new legislation • Working with local government to reduce the negative impacts of regulation Fife Chamber works to contribute positively to the Fife economy by representing its members’ interests, engaging with businesses of all types, identifying and debating issues affecting the Fife economy and lobbying locally and nationally to help resolve business concerns.

Commenting on the inspection Chief Executive Eric Byiers said:

Two new members for Fife Chamber Board

“The inspector was impressed with the high standard of documentation and procedures at the Chamber and had no hesitation in recommending that we retain our issuing body status. We are delighted to continue delivering a fast, cost effective service to businesses across Fife.”

FIFE Chamber of Commerce has recently appointed a further two highly experienced board members; Keith Winter, Executive Director of Environment, Enterprise and Communities at Fife Council and Peter Southcott, Partner at Carters Accountants.

Commenting on the appointments, Fife Chamber President John Silcock said: “The experience and individual skill sets of our new board members will complement those which are already apparent on our board. In turn this will add greater weight to the priorities which Fife Chamber is looking to deliver upon over the coming months and years.

“This is a further demonstration of Fife Chamber’s commitment to represent all stakeholders in Fife’s economic makeup, irrespective of business activity, location or size.”

To find out more about this service, call: 01592 647740.

Peter Southcott has joined the Fife Chamber board

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Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Chambers of Commerceand supported by the European Regional Development Fund Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Chambers of Commerceand supported by the European Regional Development Fund

Business Gateway Fife helps Glenrothes Business take a step up WHEN Handrails Direct was looking to grow, it approached Business Gateway Fife for specialist advice and support.

Andrew Gillan, who set up in 2006, has developed the company doubling its turnover last year as demand increased for bespoke stainless steel balustrades; stainless steel and wooden handrails from domestic and commercial clients. It has also moved to larger premises, complete with state-ofthe-showroom, on Newark Road South, Glenrothes.

Andrew Gillan, Handrails Direct

Andrew said: “Business Gateway Fife has supported us throughout the growth process and it was instrumental in helping us to secure funding from Fife Council’s Fife Investment Fund for our move into new premises which includes a showroom enabling us to display the quality and range of products to a wider audience.

“Although the funding is important it’s not all about finance. Our business adviser, Alasdair Busby, has been a great help and his support on a range of growth issues

has been invaluable. In the coming months we want to explore a number of exporting opportunities and will certainly be looking to Business Gateway Fife for some specialist advice on the best way forward.”

The Fife Investment Fund is a Fife Council funded grant and small loan scheme to encourage small companies to invest and grow their business – visit www.businessgatewayfife. com/funding-and-investment to find out more or call 01592 858 333. www.handrails-direct.co.uk

Todd Fisheries Technology makes a splash IN May, Errin Todd and her husband, Keith, set-up Todd Fisheries Technology which designs, manufactures and installs recirculation systems and components for the aquaculture and shellfish industries.

Knowing that the launch had to coincide with Aquaculture UK to have the greatest impact, Errin went about seeking ways to support a visit to Aviemore in May for the conference, as well as support for the company’s online presence.

Errin explains: “The industry is small so I knew if I was going to launch the business, I needed to make a splash at Aquaculture 2014. To support that aim, I contacted Business Gateway Fife to seek advice on setting up the business and to see what funding sources were available.

“Alasdair Busby, my business adviser, has been a great help. It was Alasdair who identified Fife Council’s Market Development Programme which supported my attendance at Aquaculture UK as well as securing a grant from Fife Council’s Fife Investment Fund to create a website.”

Errin’s attendance at Aquaculture UK generated 12 potential contracts which, if they come to fruition, could be worth in excess of £400,000.

Errin said: “The funding and support through Business Gateway Fife has accelerated the business to an exciting position in a very short space of time. I am exceptionally grateful for Alasdair’s support. He understands me and my business and is a phenomenal supporter and celebrator of my success.” www.toddfish.co.uk A happy customer with Dr Keith Todd from Todd Fisheries Technology

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A Di Gilpin creation for the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival

Fife-based fashion makes a statement on the global stage RENOWNED hand-knit designer Di Gilpin created a series of show-stopping pieces of cashmere couture for the opening of this year’s Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.

The 16 hand-knitted pieces featured on the catwalk at the opening of Erdos 1436’s runway show after being commissioned by its creative director Graeme Black to celebrate 200 years since the trade in cashmere between China and Scotland began.

Graeme Black, creative director of Erdos 1436, said: “Working with Di and her team has been a creative joy! I have really enjoyed the development process and hope we can continue our knit relationship into the future.”

The show on the 18 July 2014 was the culmination of 7 months’ work to create a range of statement pieces including a stunning fulllength red evening gown hand-knitted in intarsia and lace, which was critically acclaimed.

The red evening gown: one of many statement pieces

A single garment can take as long as two months to complete. Di Gilpin, the founder and creative director of Di Gilpin Ltd, said: “We pay meticulous attention to detail and are dedicated to making the most intricate and show-stopping pieces of couture available anywhere in the world.”

In addition, Di and her production manager Sheila Greenwell hosted a stall at the fashion festival’s Makers Market, which was attended by HRH The Duchess of Rothesay to whom Di presented a hand-knitted beret in a design inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Di Gilpin said: “Our attendance at the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival was a launch pad for showcasing our range of products to new markets. We have a strong client base in Japan, China and the USA, where demand for Scottish knitwear is high, but our collaboration with Erdos 1436 has brought about a number of new business opportunities.

“I’m very optimistic about the future as we look to grow and develop the business and have some positive meetings arranged to discuss new leads.”

Di Gilpin has engaged with Business Gateway Fife for business planning and financial advice to support its growth plans. The company has also received Fife Investment Fund support for video production and website development.

Contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 or success@bgfife.co.uk to find out more about how it can support your business.

To see Di Gilpin’s full collection, visit: http://digilpin.com/.

Hand-knitted pieces from Di Gilpin’s collection

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news in brief

Fife’s Engineering companies recognised by industry awards

/ FIFE COUNCIL LAUNCHES GUIDE TO BUSINESS RATES Fife Council has produced an online business rates guide which includes information on how business rates are calculated, what to do if your business premises are empty, what reliefs are available and how to claim them. For more information, visit: www.fifedirect. org.uk/ratesforbusiness.

/ MERGER CREATES BIGGEST LAW FIRM IN EAST Fife’s Murray Donald and Steel Eldridge Stewart have merged with Tayside’s Thorntons to create the single biggest law firm in the east of Scotland. The ‘strategic merger’ sees the enlarged business – 40 partners and more than 400 employees – trading as Thorntons with a joint turnover approaching £20 million.

SOME of Fife’s top engineering companies are celebrating having scooped awards at the prestigious Scottish Engineering Awards ceremony.

Glenrothes-based Fife Fabrications and the Dalgety Bay arm of the French payments firm Ingenico were amongst the companies honoured with a President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and received their awards from Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael MP. Ingenico was recognised for achieving a new 40 per cent gain in efficiency following a study of its processes. Stephen Edmiston, Director of Operations at Ingenico, said: “This is a significant achievement and confirms the hard work and dedication of our employees over the past 12 months.

“We hope we can continue to grow the company and develop our presence in

Scotland, championing the country’s skills base and world-leading facilities.”

Fife Fabrications was recognised following a recent investment in a range of new electric brake-presses while special recognition was given to Babcock International, BAE and Thales Optronics, the three companies involved in the Aircraft Carrier Alliance for its work constructing the two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy.

The young engineer of the year award was won by Babcock structural engineer Alan Kirk, from Glenrothes, for the role he played in ensuring the new carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth’s two huge rudders could be lifted and put into place easily and safely.

These awards are a ringing endorsement for the engineering expertise throughout the region while indicating the strength of the sector as a whole.

/ FIFE COMPANY TO BUILD WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL TURBINE Cupar’s Gray Fabrication has secured a contract from Scotrenewables Tidal Power to construct the ‘structural backbone’ of the world’s most powerful tidal turbine. The deal to fabricate hull sections of the 2MW-rated, 64 metre long device was announced after an extensive tendering process with fabricators across the UK.

/ BGF LAUNCHES NEW SURGERIES Business Gateway Fife has launched two new services designed to provide its clients with a free introductory 45 minute session with experts in the areas of Law and Marketing.

Dunfermline’s CCW Business Lawyers will be providing clients with expert legal advice on business related topics, while K2 Marketing Solutions will be helping companies to transform their sales and marketing activities.

To find out more call 01592 858333 or email success@bgfife.co.uk.

For more news in brief see P23

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Bryan Buchan, Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering, The Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael, Secretary of State for Scotland, Stephen Edmiston Director of Operations at Ingenico and John Campbell President of Scottish Engineering.

Launch pad for new businesses in Dunfermline A new competition is underway to find and support the business entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Venture Street, delivered by Dunfermline First, a charitable organisation aimed at increasing the vibrancy and footfall in and around the town centre, has received entries from new, legal enterprises keen to trial business ideas over the busy festive trading period. Winners will be provided with up to £85,000 worth of support.

Alan Mutter, Director of Dunfermline First, said: “Venture Street offers a superb opportunity for business entrepreneurs to trial their business over the Christmas trading period, during which time Dunfermline has a range of events which attract large audiences.

“The winning entrepreneur will receive high level support ensuring they get the best

opportunity to make their business a success knowing that experts are taking care of their banking, accountancy and legal interests.”

A shortlist of entrants is currently being compiled, with each being invited to present their business plan to a panel of experienced business professionals from local companies and organisations including Thomson Cooper, CCW, Havelock Europa, Sign Plus, Fife Council, Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and Bank of Scotland.

Successful applicants will be invited to set up a business in Dunfermline (between 14 November and 24 December) and will benefit from start-up advice, one years’ rent free commercial accommodation and 12 months free banking services, accountancy and legal advice from local professionals including start up support from Business Gateway Fife. www.venture-street.co.uk

Pitmilly’s new, five star accommodation

FBM meets Eilidh Smith, Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort EIGHT years ago, Eilidh Smith gave up her London career to return to Fife to transform the family business.

As owner manager of Morton of Pitmilly, Eilidh oversees the day to day running of the country resort which includes 16 selfcatering properties and leisure facilities in Kingsbarns, just outside St Andrews.

Eilidh’s mum and stepfather John Parker bought the derelict 18th century farm steading with 150 acres of land in 1988, and converted the courtyard buildings into self-catering accommodation, opening to the public in 1990. All was going well, and planning permission for more accommodation and additional leisure facilities was granted, but then the recession hit. It was during this time that Eilidh’s drive and determination kicked in and rather than rest on her laurels, she sought and secured funding for a £1 million accommodation extension, creating an additional six five-star apartments. Plans for additional leisure facilities were put on hold.

Eilidh explains: “The banks funded the new accommodation block, but we held back on the new swimming pool. Funding was difficult at that time so we decided to concentrate on making what we do best, even better, before expanding again.”

Eilidh took a couple of years to learn the ropes from John and has successfully elevated Morton of Pitmilly to a five star resort, which continues to evolve. Eilidh added: “We’ve experienced significant growth in recent years, but I’m not one to stand still, and have a number of development plans up my sleeve as I aim to consolidate turnover over the next three years.

I want to extend the occupancy rate throughout the year and have plans to target the corporate and weddings market as well consider expanding and improving the services to give additional value to the Pitmilly experience.”

The resort, which has doubled its staff numbers, with five full time and 10 part-time staff employed, attracts guests back time and time again through a range of getaway offers including foodie weekends, where guests are treated to a weekend of gastronomic delights by local chef, Christopher Trotter; tennis breaks and pilates weekends.

Speaking about her decision to move back to Fife, Eilidh said: “It was an easy decision to make. The quality of life is ten times better and while there was an element of adjustment needed, I’m ambitious and motivated and am relishing the opportunity to develop and expand our first class holiday destination.”

Eilidh’s first love is tennis having started playing aged eight. Her tennis took her to Loughborough initially where she qualified in sport science and laterally was working with athletes through the England Institute of Sport. She now has brought her love of tennis to Pitmilly which is home to Fife’s only indoor tennis court. www.pitmilly.co.uk

Eilidh Smith of Morton of Pitmilly

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Enterprise & Manufacturing Challenge extended to all local primary schools THE Enterprise & Manufacturing Challenge, an initiative aimed at encouraging enterprise amongst young people, is back and bigger than ever.

This year’s challenge (from 15 September to 9 October), will include representatives from all of Fife’s Primary Schools. A team of primary seven pupils will be selected to attend a one day workshop to take part in a range of interactive activities which culminate in a competition to simulate the manufacture and selling of products to local business people.

The importance of teamwork, good communication, listening, good quality, satisfying customers and the basic principles of running a business are at the core of the challenge.

The initiative is organised by Fife Council’s Economic Development

Team through the Culture of Enterprise Framework and was devised with Scottish Enterprise’s Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) and local training company Tree of Knowledge.

Pamela Stevenson, Lead Officer of Fife Council Economic Development, welcomed the expansion to the initiative. She said: “Manufacturing is a very important sector to the Fife economy, employing over 14,000 people. An initiative like this successfully brings the expert knowledge of over 200 local manufacturing companies to young people. It helps to improve the perception of manufacturing and can showcase the future employment opportunities in the sector. The Culture of Enterprise Framework aims to help young people find out more about the business and enterprise.”

Local school children undertaking the Enterprise & Manufacturing Challenge

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Primary Engineer launches in Fife PRIMARY Engineer, a new initiative aimed at encouraging primary pupils to become the engineers of the future, has launched in Fife as part of Fife Council’s Culture of Enterprise Framework.

The school pilot with Bell Baxter High School’s 18 cluster primary schools will support teacher development and track practical maths, science and design technology, with the project having a positive impact on the literacy and communication skills of the pupils demonstrating the cross-curricular nature of engineering.

Initial teacher training sessions will be taking place shortly with local businesses providing mentoring support to teachers throughout the programme.

Primary Engineer is a not for profit organisation. The programme is supported

by Education Scotland and is extensively mapped to the Curriculum for Excellence and aligned to Fife’s STEM Strategy.

news in brief

/ YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR LAUNCHES SENSE OF SELF

The Enterprise Game

The Enterprise Game:

Experiencing what it takes to be successful in business The Enterprise Game, which captures the essence of what business is all about – making, selling and delivering what customers want – engaged with 2508 young people (primary and secondary pupils)

across Fife during the 2013/2014 academic year. Most recently, 100 primary four, five, six and seven pupils from St Agatha’s RC Primary School in Leven participated in the game.

First young enterprising Fifer starts work DUNFERMLINE apprentice Connor Francis is helping Fife lead the way in Scotland as he joins Havelock Europa PLC. Connor is working in the company’s procurement team as part of the Apprentices in Enterprise project, the first of its kind in Scotland. This unique apprenticeship pilot is aimed at enabling young people to help local companies – by utilising their skills or helping to develop a new product or service - whilst building their enterprise skills and gaining a recognised qualification.

Depute Council Leader Councillor Lesley Laird, spokesperson for Economy and Planning said: “Fife Council is working to put the region at the forefront of enterprise and employability and this Culture of Enterprise project is an example of how we’re leading the way.”

Nicola Cunningham, HR Resourcing Business Partner at Havelock Europa PLC, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting an innovative new programme which supports young people in Fife. We already support apprentices throughout Havelock Europa so it is great to be able to offer Connor the opportunity to use his enterprise skills here.”

Connor is being followed by another 18 apprentices who will be joining companies across Fife to bring fresh, innovative thinking to the Fife economy.

Connor Francis is the first young person to start work through the Apprentices in Enterprise project

The winner of the inaugural West Fife’s Young Entrepreneur Award 2012, Rachel Thomson, has diversified with the launch of Sense Of Self, an initiative aimed at inspiring change, motivating others and making a difference for young people based on the belief that if you feel good about yourself then you can achieve greater things. Rachel plans to engage through workshops and possibly even writing a book. The West Fife Young Entrepreneur Award 2012 was an initiative created by Thomson Cooper Accountants in association with the Dunfermline Press, featuring a support package valued at over £10,000.

/ DPS SHINES AT GLASGOW 2014 Glenrothes-based DPS Group played a key role in ensuring the Glasgow Commonwealth Games were ready for action with the design and construction of the International Broadcasting Centre.

The world-class facility was at the heart of broadcasting TV and radio coverage of the games, which were broadcast to over one billion people around the world.

/ NEW FIFE BUSINESSES HELP BOOST LOCAL ECONOMY An increase in the number of new businesses in Fife is helping to boost the local economy according to the latest Committee of Scottish Bankers report. It indicates there was a 20 per cent rise in the number of new business accounts registered in Fife between January and March 2014, compared with the last quarter of 2013. 159 new business accounts were registered which is a positive boost for the local economy and reinforces Fife Council’s commitment to supporting new business start-ups.

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In January 2014 Mr Andrew Flinn, The Director, opened a new prestigious Business Centre in the heart of the Dunfermline old town. It differs from others as it offers a level of prestige and professionalism that is difficult to find in more modern, clinical offices.

Comely Park Business Centre has serviced offices ranging from 2 desk to 6 desk as well as a 3 Roomed Suite of offices at Comely Park Business Centre Kirkgate Annexe, only 5 minutes from the main office.

Comely Park Business Centre offers: • • • • • • •

Virtual Offices Video Conferencing Meeting Rooms Serviced Offices Hot Desk IT Services Telecom

Comely Park Business Centre provides a bespoke service tailored to meet our customer’s exact requirements; no more having to choose from limited, standard options.

Gathered from years of hospitality experience, the resulting transformations to this prestigious Victorian building meet the highest demands, helping local businesses seeking the very best in Business Centres.

Comely Park Business Centre • 16 Comely Park • Dunfermline • Fife KY12 7HU Tel: 01383 629899 • Fax: 01383 629898 • Email: info@comelypark.com

East of Scotland Investment Fund

Investing in Business

Are you looking for Business Finance?

If you’re a Fife start up with growth plans or established business with a commercially viable proposal, we could help provide the finance to meet your needs.

We offer Loans of up to £50,000 • Security may be required • Fixed interest rates at 6% • The loan may not account for more than 50% of the funding package

Loans can be used for: • The purchase of plant and equipment • Provision of working capital • Purchase, expansion or refurbishment of commercial property • Purchase of a business

Who can apply?

• All types of businesses – sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and co-operatives

All types of enquiries are welcome Call Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 or visit www.eastscotinvest.co.uk for more information.

AG BROWN FABRICATIONS LTD SECURE £50,000 FROM ESIF AG Brown Fabrications Ltd, a Glenrothes based steel fabrication and manufacturing business used the East of Scotland Investment Fund to secure a £50,000 loan to develop its thriving business.

Specialising in design and problem solving areas of the oil and gas industry, the loan was key to their long term success.

ESIF lends £3M to local SMEs THE East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF), a local authority loan fund supported by 10 partner authorities to provide loan finance to new and growing businesses led by Fife Council, has passed the £3 million loan milestone.

Since it was established in 2010, ESIF has offered around 77 loans of up to £50,000 to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the east of Scotland, including Fife, totalling over £3 million.

Most recently, East Neuk Shellfish Ltd of St Monans received a loan of £50,000, to support its business growth. The company has been exporting shellfish to Europe and Asia for the last three years. The loan will assist it in buying new, bigger premises to support its expansion plans.

East Neuk Shellfish’s Director, Ronan Martinez said: “We received a £50,000 loan from ESIF to help with the purchase of a property as we needed more space to expand into processing.

“ESIF was recommended by Business Gateway Fife, and without the loan, we wouldn’t have been able to expand.”

Ronan Martinez of East Neuk Shellfish which received an ESIF loan to support expansion plans

As a public sector-owned fund, ESIF can provide up to 50 per cent of the capital required to start, sustain or grow a business with the other 50 per cent coming from

private sources. To find out more, call Business Gateway Fife: 01592 858333.

Application forms may be downloaded at: www.eastscotinvest.co.uk.

New Technology Delivered by HCS Leading subsea design, manufacture and service company HCS Control Systems has designed and delivered the industry’s first two high capacity drive umbilical reelers for a West African project.

The reel designs utilise HCS’ patentpending hazardous area full electric drive system, which brings advantages including enhanced operability and control, reduced environmental and maintenance benefits through elimination of the traditional hydraulic drive system, and an overall greater ability to assure the integrity of the deepwater umbilical.

The units were designed, manufactured and tested at HCS’ Glenrothes facility, along with a range of other equipment for the Angolan field development.

HCS’ CEO Brett Lestrange said: “These innovative and on-time deliveries are testament to our vision to be recognised as the leading designer and manufacturer of subsea umbilical deployment and handling systems, topside controls systems, and high-value engineered subsea products.”

The deliveries come at a time of strong growth for HCS after securing a new £4.5 million funding package from RBS and following its recent multi-million pound contract to provide a dedicated instrumentation and welding project team to Aker Solutions.

HCS is a privately owned Scottish company with over 70 employees, specialising in the design, in-house manufacture and service support to the global subsea industry. www.hcs-control-systems.com

One of two reels designed and manufactured by HCS

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news in brief

/ CCD MARINE ACHIEVES ISO 9001

Auto-enrolment is here Soon you’ll have to have a pension scheme by law BETWEEN now and 2017, all employers will need to have registered to a qualifying pension scheme, automatically enrolled all eligible staff and started to pay contributions into the scheme to comply with the new laws.

To help our members, the FSB offers an exclusive auto-enrolment pension scheme with

fantastic benefits. The FSB Pension Scheme is exclusive to members and their staff and offers the sort of terms and conditions only normally available to large employers.

Find out more about the pension scheme and FSB membership at www.fsb.org.uk/pension-scheme.

Businesses face bag charges and food allergy changes ALL Scottish businesses will need to charge their customers at least 5p for a singleuse carrier bag from 20th October 2014, and new European rules are set to force businesses to let customers know if any of their food products contain known allergens.

Similar carrier bag rules are in place in Northern Ireland and Wales, where, after some initial disruption, FSB members now report few problems.

However, businesses do need to keep themselves on the right side of the law and the FSB is working with agencies such as Zero Waste Scotland (www.zerowastescotland.org.uk) to keep its members well informed. Most importantly, businesses need to understand that these rules apply to non-food retailers and all sorts of bags.

Also changing are the European rules on allergies, designed to give people the right information so they can avoid illness.

This will mean changes for lots of different food businesses.Those who sell food which doesn’t feature an ingredients list – such as takeaways and some grocers – will need to find alternative ways to provide customers with allergen information.

The Food Standards Agency (www. food.gov.uk) has produced a useful guide for firms and should be the first stop for businesses looking to get more information.

Susan Love, FSB Scotland’s policy manager, said: “If managed sensibly, both of these sets of changes are likely to be more of a

nuisance than expensive or difficult. But, as always, the real cost comes with the cumulative effect of yet another set of rules with which businesses have to comply.

“The FSB in Scotland will be working with officials to encourage them to take a sensible approach when it comes to enforcing these changes.”

If you’d like to learn more about FSB membership, visit: www.fsb.org.uk/ benefits or call Gordon Henderson on 0131 654 9548.

Carrier bag charges are coming into effect from 20 October 2014

CCD Marine Ltd has achieved an ISO 9001:2008 Accreditation, recognising its commitment to customer service and quality in delivery. CCD Marine Ltd has now earned the right to display the coveted British Assessment Bureau ISO 9001 certification mark to demonstrate its conformance to the standard.

/ COMMONWEALTH GAMES ROLE FOR SCOT STRINGS Four staff from Scot Strings spent three weeks restringing squash racquets for 170 Commonwealth Games competitors. This was the Kirkcaldy based company’s first major tournament following a successful tender, which saw it take 8000 metres of tournament quality string from 20 different ranges. It hopes this experience will act as a launch pad for expanding further into badminton, tennis and racquetball restring markets.

/ MINES RESCUE SERVICE LAUNCHES WIND TURBINE TRAINING CENTRE Mines Rescue Service has launched what is believed to be the UK’s first training centre for onshore wind farms based around a fully functional decommissioned wind turbine, in Crossgates. The £200,000 project, which received financial support from Scottish Enterprise, was officially opened by Scottish Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing and will provide important health and safety training to those working with onshore wind turbines.

/ PLASTECH EXPANDS Plastech Group Ltd has acquired the packaging division of Winter & Simpson. The deal which will extend Plastech’s capabilities beyond its current plastic packaging products to provide various styles of cardboard packaging, gift boxes and inserts, will see the new division trade as ‘Plastech Box & Design Ltd’.

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WIN VIP tickets for this year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship To celebrate 30 years of Alfred Dunhill and golf in St Andrews, Fife Business Matters is offering a top prize of a pair of VIP hospitality tickets for the final day of this year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Sunday 5 October 2014. The winner will enjoy refreshments and fine dining at the exclusive Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Dining Club in The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews. We also have 10 pairs of tickets for the Sunday final of the tournament to give away as runner-up prizes.

One of the world’s leading golf events, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship will be staged from October 2-5 on three great links courses - the Old Course St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie – with a strong international field which has included Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie and Ernie Els. The event features some of the biggest names from the worlds of entertainment, sport and business teamed with a leading professional golfer. Bill Murray, Samuel L Jackson and Hugh Grant have shared the fairways with sporting greats like Sir Bobby Charlton and Shane Warne.

The tournament remains the only major professional golf event played annually at St Andrews.

To enter our competition, simply sign-up to VisitFifeGolf.com e-newsletter before Sunday 28 September. Winners will be selected at random and winners contacted by email on Monday 29 September. To sign up, visit: www.visitfifegolf.com.

To find out more about the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2014, visit: www.facebook.com/alfreddunhilllinks or follow it at: @dunhilllinks.

Faster broadband can help your enterprise be more productive APPLY now to help fund a better broadband service for your business.

For a limited time, small and medium sized businesses, charities, social enterprises and not-for-profit enterprises in Fife are to benefit from a voucher scheme which provides grants for high speed broadband access.

The voucher is a grant of between £100 and £3,000 to pay for the installation costs of a faster more reliable internet connection. It is a grant, not a loan, so you don’t need to pay it back. Your business just pays the VAT, any amount over £3,000 and the monthly subscription cost.

There are eligibility criteria and conditions. To find out if your business is eligible, please call Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333.

Fife Council is investing in Fife’s workforce of the future FIFE has been celebrating its best ever year for apprentices with a staggering 1,927 young people starting in the past twelve months, showing Fife Council’s ability to engage with local businesses, Fife College and Opportunities Fife to deliver a range of innovative projects.

The Fife Youth Job Contract, projects in schools and apprentice academies are just a few examples but there’s also work going on within Fife Council too, including the Workforce Youth Investment programme, designed to create employment and training opportunities for 16 to 24 year olds within different services across the Council.

The £1 million annual investment has also enabled Fife Council to create apprenticeships in areas it hasn’t explored before offering young people job experience and training towards a recognised qualification.

Fife is at the forefront of employability. To get involved visit: www.opportunitiesfife.org.uk.

28

FIFE businesses have been urged to get involved in a programme which could help make it easier to bid for Scottish public sector contracts following a £360,000 Scottish Government investment in the Supplier Development Programme (SDP).

The SDP was established by a number of Scotland’s local authorities to provide public sector procurement training for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the Third Sector. Fife Council actively engages in the programme to help ensure local businesses are able to access public procurement contracts.

Keela recognises value of Public Contracts Scotland

news in brief

SDP gets £360,000 Scottish Government investment

Participants in the programme also receive specialist advice on the procurement process as well as free training on a range of topics.

Depute Leader and Executive Spokesperson for Business Enterprise, Economy and Planning, Councillor Lesley Laird, said: “We want to make sure that businesses in Fife have the opportunity to supply their products and services to the Council, so I am sure that the SDP will be of interest to many of our local businesses.”

FOR almost 30 years, Keela, based in Glenrothes, has been designing and manufacturing high-quality outdoor clothing to meet the demands of those who love to get outdoors as well as professionals who demand the best.

The business prides itself on continual innovation and development of technology to produce fabric systems which deliver complete protection as well as outstanding performance and comfort.

With a reputation for tried and tested products, Keela’s customer base Keela’s customer base includes the rescue services includes retail customers, B2B, police and fire and rescue services, armed forces from around the world.

“As a Scottish-based company, we are Keela is a regular user of the Public keen to engage with public sector buyers Contracts Scotland (PCS) public across the country and have had success in procurement contract database service and securing contracts with Police, Emergency sees it as a valuable tool to be able to engage Services and Tactical forces both in the UK with public sector buyers as the public and Worldwide. sector contracts comprise approximately 60 “Being able to compete for Scottish per cent of Keela’s £10 million turnover. public sector business is a vital part of the Samantha Fernando, Sales Director for business mix and PCS allows us full access Keela, said: to potential contracts.”

/ BUSINESS LINKS FIFE Business Links Fife, a business networking and referrals group which meets every Wednesday morning for breakfast, has launched a new website – www. businesslinksfife.org.uk. It has 16 members from a wide variety of businesses from Milnathort to St Andrews and is keen to increase its membership.

/ KIRKCALDY ADOPTS SOCIALiSTREET Kirkcaldy is the first town BID in Scotland to adopt a unique digital and social media service that will benefit businesses – as well as shoppers planning to visit. The service – SOCIALiSTREET – has been adopted by the town’s business improvement district, Kirkcaldy4All BID to share content via digital and social media channels as well as engage and interact with shoppers and visitors 365 days of the year. Visit www.kirkcaldy4you.co.uk for more information.

/ SPENCERFIELD CELEBRATES DOUBLE AWARD Inverkeithing’s Spencerfield Spirit is celebrating after scooping two awards at the national Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, which celebrates excellence across Scottish food and drink.

Spencerfield was awarded the coveted Drinks (alcoholic) category for its whisky, The Feathery and also the overall Small Business of the Year award.

/ FISHERS SERVICES ANNOUNCES NEW MD Cupar based laundry specialist Fishers Services has appointed a new managing director. The company confirmed Bruce McHardy is leaving after 20 years with the business and is being replaced by his deputy, Michael Jones.

To register for the Supplier Development Programme to open up new opportunities for business, log onto http://www.sdpscotland.co.uk/fife or by emailing Kieran Hunter at Fife Council’s Economic Development team on Kieran.Hunter@Fife.gov.uk.

29

GBF events to highlight current and emerging legislation GREEN Business Fife (GBF) has been rolling out a programme of events as it seeks to help local businesses achieve resource efficiency gains to boost competitiveness and minimise environmental impact, as well as educate and raise awareness of current and future legislation.

There are three energy related events scheduled over the coming weeks: • 30TH SEPTEMBER – Environmental Management & ISO accreditation • 30TH OCTOBER – Agri-Energy: Opportunities for your Businesses • 21ST NOVEMBER – Retrofitting in Fife

A session on good waste management practices took place over the summer.

These follow a successful series of seminars which took place over the summer including an information session on reducing, recycling and saving money through good waste management practices, hosted by Diageo, Wm Tracey Group and Resource Efficient Scotland.

Tessa Ward, Environment Manager, Diageo Plc., said: “The cost of disposing of commercial waste is rising all the time but there are many innovative businesses in Fife who have come up with solutions to both reduce their costs and even profit from their waste products. This GBF event showed members how to benefit from these types of measures while complying with their obligations under the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012.”

Barbara Whiting of Green Business Fife, said: “Our events programme enables companies, large and small, throughout Fife to benefit from free advice and information on key issues which affect them such as forthcoming legislation as well as providing them with the opportunity to learn how other local companies introduced new measures which have reduced their operational costs and increased their efficiency. It’s also a great opportunity to network and find out about useful new products and services on the market.”

Green Business Fife is committed to creating an environment which brings members together, to offer support, create commercial opportunities, educate and to share best practice. A series of learning journeys, including a trip to the BRE Innovation Park at Ravenscraig and best practice visits to members’ businesses are being scheduled as part of the GBF event programme. For more information, please visit: www.greenbusinessfife.co.uk.

GBF can help with your event needs ARE you a Green Business Fife member looking to host an event?

Why not ask Green Business Fife for help – it can seek availability for event space at FRIC; promote the event through its network; or can suggest businesses or speakers to support an event. To find out more, email: yvonne@greenbusinessfife.co.uk.

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Member benefits GREEN Business Fife offers a range of benefits to its members from free online business listings, to subsidised trips to major events, including EcoBuild (London) and Resource Efficiency and Waste Management Solutions (Birmingham), as well as invitations to attend business breakfasts and other organisations’ events.

Membership is free. Register here: www.greenbusinessfife.co.uk/register.

The Tullis Russell Environmental Education Centre at Markinch offers a really unique space to hold your next The event Tullis Environmental Education Centre business orRussell group meeting.

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Your business is amazing… … isn’t it a shame no-one can see it here?

Fife Business Matters is read by business owners and decision makers … people who buy all kinds of services … if you’re not in here they won’t be contacting you!

It’s too late for this issue but there’s always next time Call our Advertising Team on 01436 671133 or 673777

dtech designers

& publishers

Balbirnie House Hotel:

Scotland’s most iconic wedding venue BALBIRNIE House Hotel has cemented its reputation as one of Scotland’s premier hotels by scooping three prestigious awards at the ‘hotel industry Oscars’, the Scottish Hotel Awards.

For the eighth time in ten years, the hotel was named the Scottish Wedding Hotel of the Year. The final award was presented following general public and previous client nominations before a panel of industry judges then decided on the regional winners. The national winner was then chosen, with Balbirnie beating off stiff competition to again win as the best wedding hotel in the country.

The Markinch hotel also secured prestigious individual honours with Nicholas Russell, owner and managing director of Balbirnie House being awarded ‘The Fellowship’. This one-off yearly award is the highest annual individual award at the Scottish Hotel Awards and was given

The Balbirnie House Hotel team

32

to Nicholas based on the outstanding contributions he’s made to Scotland’s hospitality industry.

Erdal Ozer, Balbirnie House assistant manager, also scooped the ‘Rising Star, Young Hotelier of the Year’ award in recognition of his impressive recent rise through the management ranks from humble beginnings. A former shoe-shiner in his native Turkey, Erdal progressed from the most junior waiter in the hotel to now helping to oversee a team of 60 front-ofhouse staff and manage the day-to-day operations in one of the country’s most unique hotel environments.

With these three awards in hand, what is it that makes Balbirnie House stand out from the rest?

Nicholas Russell said: “It’s a combination of many factors.

First and foremost, we have a tremendous team. Externally, Balbirnie has a truly

stunning location and magnificent grounds, and internally, we have a blend of lived-in country vintage and contemporary chic, which is proving simply irresistible to the brides and grooms of tomorrow.

“As part of this year’s judging process, the judges themselves suggested that Balbirnie House is Scotland’s most iconic wedding venue. We were so very humbled to receive that comment and the accumulated awards would now perhaps suggest that view is indeed correct.

“In terms of weddings, with some 170 large weddings now taking place each year, it is so special to see so many clients who are all individually such an important part of this accumulating history, with every occasion at Balbirnie being so unique and special. There are derivatives in the marketplace, but there is only one Balbirnie House.” www.balbirnie.co.uk

Balbirnie House Hotel: Scotland’s most iconic wedding venue

Are you looking for business property in Fife?

Fife Council provides a variety of business space throughout Fife, ranging from Business Centres, Renewable Innovation Centres to Offices and Industrial Units.

Serviced office space; 3 person office (333sq.ft) from £99 per week Incubator Space; offices ranging from 210 – 342sq.ft (2-3 persons) stepped rental starting from £36 – £59 per week Industrial Space ranging from 300sq.ft – 8,212sq.ft To discuss your property needs further please contact Economic Development Team on 0345 600 1359 or e-mail Business.Property@fife.gov.uk to discuss your business needs.

Free Property Search available at www.InvestinFife.co.uk

Events Diary TITLE

PROVIDER

DATE & TIME

VENUE

COST

CONTACT

Finance Business Expenses & Capital Allowances

Business Gateway Fife

24 September 2014 10.00am – 1.00pm

Dunfermline Business Centre, Izatt Avenue, KY11 3BZ

Free

www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333

Trading Online

Business Gateway Fife

23 September 2014 9.30am – 12.30pm

Saltire House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes KY6 2AL

Free

www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333

Wordpress

Business Gateway Fife

30 September 2014 9.30am – 12.30pm

Saltire House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes KY6 2AL

Free

www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333

Business Gateway Fife

19 September 2014 9.30am – 12.30pm

Saltire House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes KY6 2AL

Free

www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333

Business Gateway Fife

9 October 2014 9.30am – 12.30pm

Saltire House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes KY6 2AL

Free

www.bgateway.com/events or call 01592 858333

Getting the Most From Your People – Managing Absence

Fife Chamber of Commerce

18 September 2014 7.45am – 10.00am

Rothes Halls, Glenrothes KY7 5NX

Member -£15pp Non-Member £30pp

Kelly Lister 01592 647740 kellylister@fifechamber.co.uk or www.fifechamber.co.uk/events

M2M Networking Event

Fife Chamber of Commerce

30 September 2014 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Vine Conference Centre, 131 Garvock Hill, Dunfermline KY11 4JU

Member - £15pp

Kelly Lister 01592 647740 kellylister@fifechamber.co.uk or www.fifechamber.co.uk/events

Networking Event - What’s happened to the Jammy?

Fife Chamber of Commerce

9 October 2014 6.45pm – 9.00pm

Maggie’s Centre Fife Victoria Hospital Hayfield Road, Kirkcaldy KY2 5AH

Free to Members

Kelly Lister 01592 647740 kellylister@fifechamber.co.uk or www.fifechamber.co.uk/events

Networking Lunch - Latest Development at Edinburgh Airport

Fife Chamber of Commerce

29 October 2014 12.00pm – 2.00pm

The Queensferry Hotel St Margaret’s Head North Queensferry KY11 1HP

Member -£20pp Non-Member £40pp

Kelly Lister 01592 647740 kellylister@fifechamber.co.uk or www.fifechamber.co.uk/events

Getting the Most From Your People – Retention

Fife Chamber of Commerce

20 November 2014 7.45am – 10.00am

Rothes Halls, Glenrothes KY7 5NX

Member -£15pp Non-Member £30pp

Kelly Lister 01592 647740 kellylister@fifechamber.co.uk or www.fifechamber.co.uk/events

Ecommerce Courses

Intellectual Property IP – The Essentials for Business Success

Sales & Marketing PR on a Shoestring

Fife Chamber Events

Supplier Development Programme Events Maximise Your Tender Score

SDP/Fife Council

14 October 2014 9.30am – 12.00pm

Carnegie Conference Centre, Halbeath Road Dunfermline KY11 8DY

Free

Online registration at: http://www. sdpscotland.co.uk/events/eventscalendar/2014

Value, Add & Innovation

SDP/Fife Council

4 December 2014 9.30am – 12.00pm

Carnegie Conference Centre, Halbeath Road, Dunfermline KY11 8DY

Free

Online registration at: http://www. sdpscotland.co.uk/events/eventscalendar/2014

Environmental Managements Systems

Green Business Fife

30 September 2014 8.30am – 11.00am

Fife Renewables Innovation Centre, Ajax Way, Methil, KY8 3RS

Free

yvonne@greenbusinessfife.co.uk

Visit to BRE Innovation Park @ Ravenscraig

Green Business Fife

8 October 2014 10.00am – 12.30pm

Ravenscraig, Motherwell, Lanarkshire

Free

yvonne@greenbusinessfife.co.uk

Agri-energy - Opportunities for Your Business

Green Business Fife

30 October 2014 8.30am – 11.00am

Fife Renewables Innovation Centre, Ajax Way, Methil KY8 3RS

Free

yvonne@greenbusinessfife.co.uk

Green Business Fife

34

FIFE BUSINESS WEEK EVENTS TITLE

COMPANY

DATE & TIME

VENUE

COST

CONTACT

Cloud Accounting 101

Thomson Cooper

10 November 10.00am to 11.30am

Business Gateway Fife, Saltire House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes, KY6 2AQ

Free

ecromwell@thomsoncooper.com

Introduction to Project Management

Business Gateway Fife

10 November 2.00pm to 5.00pm

Saltire House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes, KY6 2AL

Free

www.bgateway.com/events success@bgfife.co.uk

IT Awareness Event

IT Turning Point

10 November 9.15am to 3.00pm

The Vine Conference Centre, 131 Garvock Hill, Dunfermline, KY11 4JU

Free

www.itturningpoint.com

Translating Twitter for Business

Liberty Business Centres

10 November 9.30am to 1.00pm

Liberty House, 15 Cromarty Campus, Rosyth KY11 2YB

Free

kerry@libertybusinesscentres.co.uk

Influencers’ Dinner

Scottish Council for Development and Industry

10 November 6.00pm to 8.45pm

Carnegie Conference Centre, Halbeath Road, Dunfermline, KY11 8DY

Free

nicola.seeley@scdi.org.uk

SMART Tourism at St Andrews

University of St Andrews

11 November 10.00am to 2.00pm

Lower College Hall, St Salvator’s Quad, North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AJ

Free

cas26@standrews.ac.uk

Explorer Visit to John Young Signs

Fife Chamber of Commerce

11 November 4.30pm to 6.30pm

Unit 2, Block 3, Woodend Industrial Estate, Cowdenbeath, Fife, KY4 8HW

£15+VAT

http://my.fifechamber.co.uk

Debt Recovery – A Guide for Small Businesses

Young & Partners LLP

11 November 10.00am to 12.00pm

1 George Square, Castle Brae, Dunfermline, KY11 8QF

Free

register@businesslaw.co.uk

Using Your Accounting Records to Keep One Step Ahead of the Tax Man

M&S Accountancy and Taxation

12 November 12.00pm to 2.00pm

Dalgety House, Viewfield Terrace, Dunfermline, KY12 7HY

Free

cally@msactax.co.uk

Pricing for Profit

Carters Accountants LLP

12 November 4.00pm to 5.30pm

Room 10, Rothes Halls, Glenrothes

Free

shirley.dorrian@cartersca.co.uk

Best Practice Visit to Lamond & Murray

Fife Council/Lamond & Murray/SMAS

12 November 9.15am to 12.30pm

Lamond & Murray Ltd, Burnside, Inverkeithing KY11 1HT

Free

Alan.mckay@fife.gov.uk

Trading Online

Business Gateway Fife

12 November 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Saltire House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes, KY6 2AL

Free

www.bgateway.com/events success@bgfife.co.uk

Go4SET Fife 2014 Business Launch

EDT Scotland (Go4SET)

12 November 10.00am to 12.00pm

Fife College, St Brycedale Campus St Brycedale Avenue, Kirkcaldy KY1 1EX

Free

www.go4set-fife-2014.eventbrite.co.uk a.henderson@etrust.org.uk

How to Successfully Negotiate a Contract

Young & Partners LLP

12 November 10.00am to 12.00pm

1 George Square, Castle Brae, Dunfermline, KY11 8QF

Free

register@businesslaw.co.uk

APM Introductory Certificate

Fife College

12-13 November 9.00am to 5.00pm

Carnegie Conference Centre, Halbeath Road, Dunfermline, KY11 8DY

£540 ex VAT (20% discount on normal price of £675 ex VAT)

garyford@fife.ac.uk

Cloud Accounting 101

Thomson Cooper

13 November 2.00pm to 3.30pm

Dunfermline Business Centre, Izatt Avenue, Dunfermline, KY11 3BZ

Free

ecromwell@thomsoncooper.com

Social Media Surgery

Florizel Media Ltd

13 November 10.00am to 4.00pm

Liberty House, 15 Comarty Campus, Rosyth, KY11 2YB

Free

pauline@florizelmedia.com

Invest in Fife Annual Event

Invest in Fife, Fife Council

13 November 11.45am to 2.00pm

T.R.E.E. Centre, Tullis Russell, Markinch, KY7 6PB

Free

Tina.fong@fife.gov.uk

Acorn Enterprise: Business Bootcamp

Acorn Enterprise

13 November 9.30am to 1.30pm

Rosyth Business Centre, 15 Cromarty Campus, Rosyth, KY11 2YB

Free

shona@acornenterprise

Meet the Buyer event with Procurement Category Managers

Fife Council/Supplier Development Programme

13 November 9.30am to 12.30pm

Carnegie Conference Centre, Halbeath Road, Dunfermline, KY11 8DY

Free

http://fifeeconomypartnership.com/ index.php/events/407-meet-the-buyerevent-13-november-2014 Kieran.Hunter@fife.gov.uk

An Introduction to Trading Internationally

Fife Chamber of Commerce/Business Gateway Fife

14 November 8.00am to 10.00am

T.R.E.E. Centre, Tullis Russell, Markinch, KY7 6PB

Free

http://my.fifechamber.co.uk jacquicurley@fifechamber.co.uk

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to develop your business. Keep watching www.fifebusinessweek.co.uk for the latest events as they are added to the schedule. Register for an event now!

To find out more about Fife Business Week, contact Karen Casssells, Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 or email karen.cassells@bgfife.co.uk

35

New Funding Opportunity

START UP LOANS 6% ÂŁ6k

FIXED INTEREST RATE

AVERAGE LOAN VALUE

PAYABLE OVER

5

YEARS

Business Gateway Fife is pleased to offer an exciting new startup loan through Fife Council and Start Up Finance Scotland, which offers financial support to individuals looking to start a business and to those who have recently started trading within the last 12 months.

The start up loan enables you to receive an individual loan which reflects the needs of your business. However, as this is a personal loan, more than one person in a business may be eligible.

A Business Gateway adviser is on hand to provide valuable business advice and help you throughout the application process. They can also provide access to a range of additional services including specialist training, 1-2-1 surgeries and networking opportunities.

To find out more contact us now on

01592 858333

To find out about Business Gateway Fife services Call: 01592 858333 Email: success@bgfife.co.uk Visit: www.businessgatewayfife.com

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 a minute.