InCommerce Forth Valley - Issue 6 by dtech

INcommerce

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THE FORTH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ISSUE 6 • SPRING 2014

…and the winner by a nose… Find out more in our Business Awards feature inside

www.forthvalleychamber.co.uk www.stirlingchamber.co.uk

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t was a busy start to 2014 as the final judging of the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards got underway. The standard of entries was very high with the result that many of the finalists would have made worthy winners. Find out who did pick up the coveted trophies in our feature on pages 24-29.

And speaking of coveted trophies, congratulations go to Lance Gauld and the Cloud Cover IT team who were the winners in the second annual karting challenge held at Xtreme Karting on the 12th February. Another fiercely fought contest, with refuelling provided by the catering students at Forth Valley College. February also saw the launch of the Stirling Chamber of Commerce. Over 116 business leaders attended to find out more, and in an unusual twist to the evening, Forensic mind-reader Colin Cloud demonstrated how to network with a difference, by using his amazing skills. The Forth Valley Chamber Group now covers the whole of the Forth Valley area and we look forward to working with businesses across the area. Go to www. stirlingchamber.co.uk for further information. And, still in February we had a very successful event at The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Museum within Stirling Castle. The venue was superb and Justin Urquhart Stewart, the co-founder and director of Seven Investment Management, and a familiar figure on national television gave a captivating presentation on the World’s economy to a full audience of business leaders. His humour and direct approach was something out of the ordinary and we have already received feedback that he was a big hit with the audience! In other news, at the time of writing, it is good to see that the Bank of England was right to remind us that low interest rates are here for some time to come and that CPI inflation has fallen to 1.9%. The economic signs are looking good at the moment but it is important to remember that for the recovery to be sustainable, businesses must have the confidence to invest in future growth.Continued government support for our businesses is essential to facilitate an accelerating rate of recovery and, with much political attention on the referendum debate right now, it is vital that politicians do not lose sight of the need to get our economy back on a path of solid growth. I hope you enjoy this edition of the magazine, and look forward to meeting you at one of our events.

Contents Stirling Chamber of Commerce Launched

World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi

ViNE programme set to grow new businesses

Money Matters

8-10

Chamber Member Sets Commonwealth Wheels in Motion…

12-13

Local charity wins national award

Chamber News

People 1st Training Company launches free resources

IQ Chocolate – nutritional know how

20-21

Business Awards 2014

24-29

Mindfulness in Business

Chemical engineer has solutions for drinks industry

Business Support

New Members’ Profiles

40-41

Members’ Register

44-46

Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, Falkirk Stadium, 4 Stadium Way, Falkirk FK2 9EE. Tel: 01324 665500, www.forthvalleychamber.co.uk InCommerce is published by D-Tech 20 East Argyle Street, Helensburgh, G84 7RR. T: 01436 678808 / 671133. E: info@dtechuk.com. W: www.dtechuk.com. Edited by Michelle McKearnon, Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, The Falkirk Stadium, 4 Stadium Way, Falkirk, FK2 9EE T: 01324 66 55 00 F: 01324 61 76 37 E: michelle@forthvalleychamber.co.uk W: www.forthvalleychamber.co.uk InCommerce 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. They cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication. The views expressed by authors of articles published in this magazine are solely those of the author and are not necessarily the views of or shared by the editor, nor the publisher or the directors, shareholders and/or employees of D-Tech.

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Stirling Chamber of Commerce Launched

he long-awaited launch of the Stirling Chamber of Commerce took place earlier this month at Forth Valley College in Stirling. Over 120 business people packed in to hear messages of support from key players in the local economy including Stirling Provost Mike Robbins and the leader of the Council, Councillor Johanna Boyd. Stirling Chamber will form part of the wider Forth Valley Chamber, with members able to benefit from all of the products and services on offer from the Chamber network. There was much delight from delegates that the Stirling Chamber was finally under way and a hugely positive response to the initiatives outlined on the night by CEO Laurence Barrett who said he was looking forward to engaging fully with Stirling businesses of all shapes and sizes. In an unusual twist to the evening, forensic mind-reader Colin Cloud demonstrated how to network with a difference, by using his amazing mindreading skills to leave delegates open mouthed. Chairman of the Forth Valley Chamber George Stevenson said he was delighted with the response to the launch commenting, “It’s wonderful to see so many people here tonight to support the new Stirling Chamber and the Chamber movement in the Forth Valley. We are excited at the way things are progressing and at the positive approach to partnership working in the area.”

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi

arlier this year, one of our members had the opportunity to exhibit at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi with the support of Scottish Development International (SDI). The summit has been running for six years and comprises a conference and exhibition themed around renewable energy. Russell Dalgleish of Exolta Capital Partners tells us how it all went: Many of us are familiar with the gleaming Shopping Malls of Dubai but I feel that Abu Dhabi as the capital of the United Arab Emirates is well on the way to exceeding even the architectural wonder of Dubai. The UAE came into existence in 1971 having previously been a dependency of the UK. The six states that comprise the UAE represent the world’s third largest exporting nation for Oil and Gas and hence this is a wealthy country Embarking on any international exhibition can prove daunting but with the support of SDI it is considerably more straight forward. SDI handle just about all the logistics regarding exhibiting at the event leaving me with only flights and hotels to sort - well I say “me” but I mean Fiona Bibby of Travel Architect! Once again the SDI stand was stunning and positioned in an optimum location in what is a sprawling set of exhibition halls. I attended to support the company Taiga Innovations who were exhibiting their web based power management solution. We were joined by eleven other Scottish companies. We each were supplied with our own “Pod” – individual exhibition space. Fellow exhibitors ranged from TownRock Energy through to Scottish Water, and also our own Alan Wallace of Apple Green Homes who had originally brought the event to my attention. In addition to three days hard exhibiting we also attended two highly significant evening events; the Prince Zayed Future Energy Price awards dinner in the gold leaf decorated Emirates Palace, and a superb Global ScotDinner. This latter event saw forty of us gathered together over dinner to exchange “business banter”. The Global Scot network was created in 2001 and brings together Scots or those with Scottish sympathies in senior business roles around the world. I find these events invaluable as they allow you to get to meet fellow Scots who can share their experience of doing business in the region. I had a particular lovely evening as the Global Scot I sat down next to listened to me wax lyrically about my career, then stopped me and uttered those unbelievable words, “Ahh so your mother must be Helen then?” Yes, sitting in a restaurant on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, I just happened to have sat down next to a fellow Scot who knew my family well when they lived in Aberdeen thirty years ago – a small world indeed!

I will find out over the coming months if the investment in attending such an event provided a return which I’m confident it will. However if I can share some learning with you that I took away from the trip: • SDI performs a magnificent job and if you’re looking to export be sure to speak with them. • The UAE and Abu Dhabi in particular is very open to accommodating small entrepreneurial companies, but you need to find the right partner. • The Global Scot program remains a huge asset to exporting Scottish businesses. • There is truly an opportunity beyond oil and gas in the UAE. • A bit of sunshine in January does no one any harm Russell Dalgleish, Exolta Capital Partners www.exolta.com

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Ray Young of Astute Facilities Management

ViNE programme set to grow new businesses

e are pleased to introduce an innovative new programme which will support ex-forces personnel in setting up their own businesses.

The ViNE programme (Veterans into New Enterprise) which is unique to Forth Valley and Stirling Chambers of Commerce, will encourage business start-up as an option for those coming to the end of their military careers, or for Veterans who have already left military service. The programme will combine one to one support and group work to assist both with military/civilian transition and the development of the skills needed in running your own business. Chamber member Ray Young of Astute Facilities Management who spent several years in the Armed Forces commented on the difficulties in moving from military service to civilian life. “I found the adjustment to civilian life very difficult and I found it hard to relate to my fellow students and civilian colleagues. I had very different expectations and standards, and struggled initially with how I interacted with other people. It took me a long time to acknowledge that leaving the Forces meant mentally closing one chapter in my life, and opening a new one of adjustment to civvi street. However the core skills instilled in my military career had remained with me and the “Can do, Will do” ethos, high standards of personal appearance

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

and attention to detail were all good qualities for running my own business. Becoming self-employed was a huge challenge. I had the skills and self-discipline but knew nothing about business planning, marketing, cash flow forecasts and all the other things involved in running a business. The ViNE programme provides structured one to one support to help with this, and being a member of the Chamber of Commerce gives me access to a range of support which I can’t get elsewhere.” The ViNE programme has been designed as a pilot across the Forth Valley with initial funding coming from the Community Covenant Grant Scheme, and the Chamber will work closely with Councillor Fergus Wood who is the Armed Forces Champion for Stirling, and who supported the initial bid. Cllr Wood said, "This is a highly innovative project which comes into being just at the moment that the regular armed services are having to contract in personnel numbers. We are looking at men and women who come from a highly disciplined and committed background but need guidance to help them in the difficult transition into civilian life and the business world . As such, the Vine Programme is in the right place at the right time and I am confident that the fruits of the vine will be seen in an exciting new range of business start-ups in Forth Valley."

BUSINESS NEWS

Money Matters “Why on earth are Falkirk and Stirling Credit Unions members of the Chamber of Commerce? Aren’t they voluntary charities for people with debt issues? What have they got to bring to the table?”

redit Unions are getting a lot of press cover just now, mostly in the same sentence as ‘an alternative to PayDay Lenders’, or something similar. Many people have only just heard of Credit Unions in the last year or so, and therefore think of us as being for people with money problems. The true story is rather more interesting: Credit Union members typically do not have Payday Loan problems because Credit Unions encourage 8

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

saving and only make loans to members who save. As good savers, our members get access to loans at reasonable rates of interest, so they keep more of their own money. Credit Unions are regulated financial institutions and as such are covered by the FSCS for deposits up to £85,000. The only others in this exclusive ‘club’ are the banks and building societies. So, members’ savings are secure and they get easy access to ethical loans: why is this such a well-kept secret?

BUSINESS NEWS Credit Unions have been around for over 100 years.They are each independent and yet are all part of a worldwide movement. There are small Credit Unions with a couple of hundred members and there are large credit unions with tens of thousand of members. In Ireland 70% of the population are members of a Credit union, and more locally in Glasgow that number is over 20% of the population. So, not such a well-kept secret in some parts of the world but Falkirk and Stirling Credit Unions have a lot of room for growth before we reach these levels of market penetration! Directors of Credit Unions are special kinds of people. We are ‘approved persons’ by the FCA. We are motivated to serve our community. In larger Credit Unions the directors mostly have many years of business experience behind them. We each input hundreds of hours every year on a purely voluntary basis - no director fees for us! We do not run a charity, we run a business. We must produce a profit from our lending activities, employ staff, find premises, retain profit, pay dividends, comply with legislation, and in addition comply with Prudential Regulation Authority regulation. We are a cooperative, owned entirely by our members and accountable to them in a way that most businesses are not. We would hazard a guess that we could teach some businesses

a thing or two about regulatory compliance, financial management, and external communication! OK. You may have found this interesting, but why should it concern you as a business? Here is something to think about: • Maybe you should be aware that money worries are the biggest cause of stress in the UK (according to a 2013 study). • Stress, depression and anxiety accounted for 10.4 million work days lost during the year 2011/12. That means that some of your staff will likely have money worries that could cost you sickness absences • According to a recent survey, 61% of major family rows are about money. Anything that reduces stress in the workplace is good for both employees and for employers. Developing habits of good personal financial management does help eliminate debt-induced money problems. Easy access to ethical loans for both planned and unplanned needs helps smooth out stress-inducing periods in life. Shouldn’t you be inviting a Credit Union into your company? How can members of the Chamber help Falkirk and Stirling Credit Unions? We are always looking for volunteers, board members and committee members. We sometimes need expert help for a few days pro bono. Sometimes we are looking for a

‘good deal’ (after all, the savings we make belong to our members and they live in your community). Maybe you would like to discuss a loyalty or discount scheme for Credit Union members if they use your business? Good for our members and more business for you. Maybe you could promote your business by sponsoring a Credit Union event? In conclusion, Credit Unions have something to bring to the Chamber of Commerce and the potential to gain from being a member. Perhaps, after all, we really are the perfect Chamber of Commerce member?

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

ADVERTISING FEATURE

College Triumphs Imaginative use of QR codes particularly impressed the judging panel, and allowed learners to engage with prospective employers who were able to remotely view comprehensive electronic portfolios cataloguing their work.

Forth Valley College has scooped one of the UK’s most prestigious prizes in Further Education.

Richard also created a mobile app to keep students up to date with coursework schedules, announcements, photos and lecturer contacts, and developed online programs to allow students to complement College work with interactive video learning at home.

Richard came up with an innovative way of providing evidence of learner progress to the range of employers the College works with in delivery of Modern Apprenticeship training.

“I have some more creative ideas to develop the teaching techniques I have even further and I can’t wait to get started on those.” The College has strong links to engineering thanks to long term relationships with oil, gas and petrochemical companies operating out of the Grangemouth industrial complex. A founding member of the Oil and Gas Academy, a leading partnership of training providers delivering world class skills to the sector, the College is the largest trainer of Modern Apprentices in the country delivering hundreds of skilled engineers to companies like INEOS, OPITO and BP every year.

Engineering lecturer Richard Reid won Most Innovative Teacher of the Year at the recent Times Education Supplement (TES) Further Education Awards. The College was also nominated in the Further Education Provider of the Year award category, but was pipped by Walsall College. Richard’s colleague, Applied Science and Computing lecturer, Monica MacLeod, from Bo’ness was also nominated in the same category as him at the event hosted by comedian Jo Brand at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster, but just missed out. Both lecturers are based at the Falkirk Campus.

“My colleague Monica also deserves great recognition for all she has achieved and I am delighted for the College as a whole.”

Lecturer Richard Reid demonstrating the Mobile App he created

The judges described his approach to teaching - praised by learners, colleagues and employers - as “imaginative, transformational and inspirational”. Richard, who lives in Alloa with his wife and two children is a former student of Alloa Academy,

He started using mini cameras to film students at work, allowing apprentices and their employers to review progress.

“I am delighted to have won. It was just a great experience to go down to London for the awards ceremony with the support of my colleagues - it was a great night,” he said.

The videos, posted on YouTube, also allowed learners to share their growing expertise and pick up tips from one another more easily. The footage could be viewed on tablets and smartphones and links were provided to technical documentation on the equipment being used and other teaching materials.

“Getting recognition for the work I have done with my students is reward in itself, but to actually win the award is the icing on the cake. I am from Alloa, went to Alloa Academy and still live in the town, so I might pop in to the school to see my old teachers, who I hope will also be very proud of me.

The College is also an innovator when it comes to delivering academic excellence, it has recently set up an Engineering Academy with Strathclyde University to train the next generation of engineers. Monica, a former pupil of St Mungo’s High School in Falkirk, said: “I am disappointed in not winning, but it was a really good experience, I am proud to

Monica MacLeod with some of her Science students

sin inUK UKAwards Awards

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FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

MEMBER NEWS

Chamber Member Sets Commonwealth Wheels in Motion… “Scott Stronach - faster than a speeding bullet!”

escribed as one of our best track cycling hopes for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Falkirk’s Scott Stronach is still getting used to being referred to in such lofty terms. Not surprising when you learn that Scott was only scouted from obscurity less than a year ago! And he's good. Right now he can accelerate faster than your family car and is currently sitting only a fraction of a second short of the qualifying time for the Commonwealth Games - a target well within his grasp. But it will take more than natural talent, hard work and dedication for him to be to be the best. Competing at this level is an expensive business and, unlike many of his peers, Scott hasn't had a lifetime of coaching, creating contacts or finding pathways to funding. Without his regular income as a self-employed joiner, he won’t be able to fund the costs associated with his demanding training schedule, and as his training regime becomes ever more intense his ‘work by day, train by night’ existence will need to change. To succeed he cannot do both. The Commonwealth Games window of opportunity is now. The next few weeks will be crucial. It’s during this time that Scott will ramp up Velodrome time and increase physical training to increase power output, all of

which is necessary to allow him to reach the required qualifying level. He'll also compete in national track league events at the Velodrome in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games qualifier and if he had a more modern, lighter bike with better power transfer from legs to the track and better aerodynamics, he would be that much faster…

How can you help? Already, a number of local businesses have pledged financial support and support in kind, keen to be associated with Scott. At this key tipping point in his racing career, formal financial sponsorship is the only solution to allow Scott to focus on becoming the best. During the next few months he needs to eat, sleep and think like a pro. Crucially, during the lead up to qualifying period he will need to focus on nothing other than smashing the qualifying time. With his handlebars set firmly on Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games, a range of sponsorship opportunities have been created to cover costs from new gloves (£50 per pair) to Velodrome training sessions (£150 per week) up to a new bike frame and track wheels at over £5,500. Sponsorship would be used directly to fund the ongoing development program called for over the next 10 weeks of training and the associated costs. Sponsors will be able to feature Scott in their marketing mix and have

the opportunity to add their logo (brand) on all practice and event clothing, all bikes, transport and equipment, seen by a predisposed audience during all training, social media, events etc. There are also opportunities for cobranded merchandise as means of bolstering the cause. Needless to say a sponsorship deal brings with it the option for a long term association. Future plans include Commonwealth Games and The Revolution (which is similar to the Commonwealth Games but held annually) the British Championship in Manchester in October, the Scottish Nationals plus numerous other events. Scott commented, “I have already begun the strenuous track sessions. With the help of my coach, personal improvements in timing and technique are already apparent further fuelling our Commonwealth hopes. Sponsorship contributions would be used directly to help fund the ongoing development program called for to continue to get me in tip top condition. I'd like to thank Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce and fellow members for their ongoing support. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated.” Contact Scott Stronach on t. 07891 383 696 e. trackcyclings@gmail.com.

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

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The official fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the 308 range are: Urban 35.7 – 67.3 (7.9 – 4.2), Extra Urban 61.4 – 85.6 (4.6 – 3.3), Combined 48.7 – 78.5 (5.8 – 3.6) and CO2 134 – 95. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. ^Rate refers to the 308 Active HDi 92. Rentals are subject to VAT and are payable monthly. For 308 models 3 rentals in advance followed by 35 monthly payments. All rentals are based on 10,000 miles per annum and include metallic paint and Peugeot Assistance. Business users only. A guarantee may be required. Over 18’s only. Written quotations from Peugeot Contract Hire, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, RH1 1QA. Offers apply to eligible vehicles supplied and registered from 1st January 2014 until such point they may be withdrawn by Peugeot Motor Company at any time and without notice. Calls may be recorded for training purposes.

MEMBER NEWS

Local charity wins national award for work on childhood abuse trauma

Falkirk charity Open Secret, which helps people who have suffered childhood abuse or neglect, has been named as one of this year’s winners of a GSK IMPACT Award at an event recently at a Scottish Parliament. From over four hundred charities nationwide who applied to be part of GSK’s flagship UK community investment programme, Open Secret won the award and joins a group of previous winners from Scotland at the parliamentary event to celebrate the impact these charities have on health and wellbeing in their local community. Research shows that as many as one in four young adults have been severely maltreated as children and one in 20 suffered sexual abuse. Many survivors of abuse have long-term mental and physical health issues including self harm, substance abuse and eating disorders. Open Secret provides counselling and group support for all ages and worked with over 1000 survivors of abuse last year.The charity also provides support for prison staff working with women offenders, many of whom are survivors of abuse. The GSK IMPACT Awards, run in partnership with The King’s Fund and now in their seventeenth year, are seen as a mark of achievement in the healthcare charity sector. In addition to the £30,000 they receive in unrestricted funding, winning organisations are able to access training, development and networking opportunities through a dedicated programme organised by The King’s Fund. Open Secret is one of 10 award winners for 2014, and will receive their award at a ceremony to be held at the Science Museum in London. An overall winner, who will receive a further £10,000 in funding, will also be announced at the ceremony. Janine Rennie, Chief Executive of Open Secret said: ‘We are delighted to have won this very prestigious award and thank GSK and the King’s Fund for selecting Open Secret as a winner. We feel that we are creative and innovative in our work with survivors of abuse, offering real and sustainable change. The award will enable us to develop further with the excellent training that is offered as part of the award’ Katie Pinnock, Head of UK Charitable Giving at GSK said: ‘Open Secret is successfully tackling some challenging health issues, which people are often afraid to speak about. Its work in prisons is particularly innovative, working with prison staff as well as survivors, and has helped deliver some real outcomes such as improved family relationships and a reduction in self harm. They put the service user at the heart of their work and it shows in their achievements. They are a worthy winner.’

Online Electrician Of The Year Winner

allin based electrical contractor Stirling Electrical Services Ltd. were one of the winners in the UK wide Online Electrician of the Year Awards for 2013. The company picked up the Silver Award for the best use of on-line services and social media, an accolade which recognises innovation and digital achievement on a national scale in the electrical sector. Director Scott McLean commented “we are delighted to have received this award especially as the judges were from some of the most respected manufacturers in the electrical industry. “We have had an online presence since 1999 and understand the importance of providing services and information to prospective and existing clients through our website and social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.”

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber Karting Challenge 2014

Money talks at the museum

n excellent networking lunch took place at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Museum in Stirling Castle recently, with keynote speaker Justin Urquhart Stewart from Seven Investment Management. In a virtuoso performance Justin demonstrated why he is one of the most sought-after speakers in the UK with an hour long presentation that had the audience either transfixed or rolling in the aisles. A whistle-stop tour of the world’s economies and fiscal policies proved to be both informative and entertaining, and we very much look forward to welcoming Justin back for another event next year. The Museum was a stunning backdrop for the event and Chief Executive Rob Layden commented, “The Museum was delighted to host the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce as it allowed the Museum to showcase its facilities to the business community. This is part of our strategy to engage with the business community and become an integral part of the Stirling and Forth Valley tourism offer.” Michelle McKearnon, Business Development Manager for the Chamber said, “We are always looking for interesting new (or old) venues in which to hold our events, and we are very grateful to Rob and his team at the museum for hosting this event. We were very well looked after and the delegates enjoyed looking at the exhibits and chatting to the museum staff. It was a great event.”

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

ebruary saw the second Karting Challenge take place at Xtreme Karting in Larbert, but although it took place just before Valentine’s day there was certainly no love lost on the track! In a fiercely competitive two hour Grand Prix, drivers from Cloud Cover I.T, Exmos, Allied International, MacDonald Inchyra Hotel and a mixed “mongrel” team all took part, along with a team from the publishers of our very own INCommerce magazine, D-Tech. Some fabulous driving took place with 14 year old Shannon Coulter driving for Exmos setting the fastest lap time on the night and showing the lads a clean set of tyres. Proof, it if was needed, that girls CAN drive! A plethora of black flags also came into play as the race became more competitive and time penalties played a crucial part in the end result. In fact, a new record of black flags issued was recorded with team D-Tech named and shamed into a well deserved last place finish!! The trophy and all bragging rights were taken on the night by a well co-ordinated team from Cloud Cover I.T, led from the front by Lance Gould. Exmos pushed hard for a close fought second place followed by Allied International in third. An excellent night was had by all and drivers were re-fuelled with catering supplied by Forth Valley College.

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Wow…

Focussed on advising the Forth Valley business community since 1934 and proud to be a finalist at this years Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. If you want to be part of our success story, call Greg Callan on 01786 451745 or email g.callan@frenchduncan.co.uk www.frenchduncan.co.uk

BUSINESS PAGE HEADER NEWS

The People 1st Training Company

launches free resources to help Central Scotland businesses capitalise on 2014

ith only a few months to go until the opening ceremony of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the People 1st Training Company has launched two free resources to help Central Scotland businesses capitalise on the major tourism events taking place in 2014. Businesses of all sizes can now download a free online guide focusing on how they can capitalise on the Games and other events, including the Ryder Cup and Scottish Homecoming. In addition, businesses with up to 250 staff will be able to claim free passes for the WorldHost Insights customer service e-learning programme. The guide, called ‘Ahead of the Games,’ contains practical hints and tips for businesses in the vicinity of the events, as well as links to additional resources that will help them maximise the opportunities on offer throughout 2014. Topics covered include employee engagement, skills and training and maximising your business’ presence online.

It also includes lessons learnt from the London 2012 Olympic Games and Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. The WorldHost Insights programme gives staff a one-and-a-half hour introduction into how to connect with customers, communicate effectively with disabled customers and those from other cultures, and how to go the extra mile. Including elements of the training used to prepare thousands of staff and volunteers for the London 2012 Olympic Games, it also helps participants to test their skills and knowledge, and ultimately learn why their role has such an impact on the customer experience. Participants receive an official WorldHost certificate after completing the programme. With one million tickets being sold for the Commonwealth Games alone, and an extra 100,000 visitors expected in the three years following the event, David Allen, director of Scotland for People 1st, stressed how important it is for businesses to be prepared. David commented: “This is going to be a pivotal year for the Scottish visitor economy and it’s important that businesses

don’t miss out on the opportunities provided by increased visitor numbers and media attention. “Our Ahead of the Games guide gives businesses practical tips to capitalise not only on the Commonwealth Games, but on other events taking place across the nation for Scottish Homecoming. “Delivering a warm welcome is also going to be vital – 88% of UK hospitality and tourism businesses we surveyed said that customer service is the most important skill needed in their business over the next three to five years.* That’s why we wanted to give small and medium businesses something that will help them wow their customers and secure repeat business. “The WorldHost Insights programme is flexible and easy for small businesses to use. As it’s all based online, there’s no need for staff to take time off work to train and it won’t cost anything to the business. ” The “Ahead of the Games” guide can be downloaded at www.people1st.co.uk/scotland Businesses can register to use the WorldHost Insights programme at http://sme.worldhost.co.uk/. *

State of the Nation 2013 Report, People 1st

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

BUSINESS SUPPORT

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

BUSINESS SUPPORT

IQ Chocolate - nutritional know how

Q Chocolate was established in 2011 by Jane Shandley and Kate Hamilton who wanted to create a range of unique, healthy chocolate bars for the Scottish, UK and global markets. Starting with the single origin “IQ” superfood chocolate bar, their goal was to become Scotland’s first “bean to bar” chocolate manufacturer, using the finest, most nutritionally dense ingredients which would provide health benefits, appealing to those with a general interest in a naturally healthy diet, and to different market segments such as health and beauty, and sports and leisure. In order to prove the health benefits of their products, Jane and Kate approached Interface – the knowledge connection for business, for help in identifying the right academic expertise to give their claims validity. The Interface team worked with Jane and Kate developing their initial brief and translating it into a dynamic working document that would allow academics from a range of institutions to pitch and offer a variety of different solutions. “Working with Interface was easy. They worked with us to develop our brief which really helped in attracting the support we needed. They also compiled a number of different responses from the academics which allowed us to choose the solution that best met our needs.” explained Jane Shandley, Director at IQ Chocolate.

Having considered the options available to them, Kate and Jane decided to prioritise two initial studies: • Analysis of the nutritional, health and wellbeing benefits of the chocolate in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen • The development of aspects of their unique processing method, in collaboration with Robert Gordon University To support them with the initial collaboration with the University of Aberdeen, IQ Chocolate applied to Interface for a Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Innovation Voucher and were successfully awarded £5,000 to offset the costs of the research analysis. The research conducted by the University of Aberdeen did indeed establish the high levels of antioxidants and nutritional benefits of the products in comparison to other high cocoa content chocolate. IQ also wanted to develop a process for ensuring that the nutrients were retained all the way from the bean to the bar. Chocolate manufacturing commonly involves roasting cocoa beans. However, the application of heat would mean that some, if not all, of the nutritional benefits of the IQ products would be lost in the production process. Thanks to Dr Andrew Lamb at Robert Gordon University, IQ were able to test the suitability of a non-thermal technology that would leave the cocoa beans undamaged.

The research has allowed Kate and Jane to validate their initial claims and market the products as a delicious, naturally healthy alternative to traditional chocolate. Subsequently IQ superfood chocolate bars are now being stocked in shops all over the UK from small farm food shops and delicatessens to multiples, such as Whole Foods, Planet Organic, high end stores, such as Harvey Nichols, and spas such as Stobo Castle. Through their expanding distributor network iQ chocolate is now also available in Ireland, Germany, Czech Republic, Romania and Cyprus. According to Jane, ‘Interface helped us to connect with experts who have been able to differentiate our product as chocolate that you should, rather than shouldn’t, eat! We would recommend their service to anyone looking to develop an idea, be it a product or a service.’ Interface work with hundreds of businesses each year supporting them with product process and service developments and helping them tap into specific Research and Development solutions all over the country. In the Forth Valley, Laura Goodfellow is working with a number of businesses, many introduced by Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce. Please get in touch directly on 0131 651 4791 or 07890 580 511 to see if Interface’s free and impartial service could help your business increase competitiveness, develop new products or exploit new market opportunities by connecting you with Scotland’s universities.

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

MACDONALD INCHYR A HOTEL & SPA

PROUD HOSTS OF THE FORTH VA LLE Y CH A M BER BUSINESS AWA R DS 2 014

For style, elegance and flexibility, our hotel is the number one choice in the Central Belt for events ranging from association and business conferences to gala dinners and smaller private meetings. We are also an excellent choice for training sessions and workshops. • Dedicated conference and events centre

• Free on-site parking

• Nine naturally lit meeting rooms

• Meeting@ all-inclusive delegate rates

• Conference capacity for up to 750 delegates

• Scottish Steak Club Restaurant

• 97 luxury bedrooms

• Free WiFi and extra dedicated bandwidth

We welcome all Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Members so contact our General Manager, Brett Ingle, to discuss our exclusive member business packages.

Nominated for Best Large Business and Best Green Business in Forth Valley Chamber Business Awards 2014

Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa, Grange Road, Polmont, Falkirk, FK2 0YB. Tel: 0844 879 9044

W W W.MACDONALDHOTELS.CO.UK /INCHYR A

Leemic Making a great impression Leemic has been making a name for itself over the last couple of years supplying and servicing cutting edge multifunction photocopiers and printers in the central belt.

both with integrity and professionalism at all levels within the organisation. Samsung is proud to be a valued partner of Leemic and we look forward to further mutual success.”

Sandy Muir (Leemic Director) said, buying a product is one thing but when things go wrong, especially at today’s pace of business, you require a prompt resolution. With the integral reliability of the Samsung product range and Leemic’s customer care programme, you can look forward to the benefits of using critically acclaimed devices coupled with industry leading account management.

WHY CHOOSE SAMSUNG PRINTERS?

Located close to junction 6 of the M9 motorway, the office in Grangemouth on the outskirts of Falkirk is ideally located between the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The location in the central belt of Scotland ideally places the office to service multi-function photocopiers and printers in major towns and cities across Fife, Lothian and Borders, North Lanarkshire, Strathclyde, Stirlingshire and Tayside. We’re always interested in hearing from our customers and prospective business partners, If you have a requirement please do not hesitate to contact us. With over 40 year’s industry experience, the team will listen and advise accordingly. Once a better understanding of your needs has been established, we will be able to demonstrate a multifunction photocopier system that best suits your working environment. Recently the directors of Leemic were approached by Samsung Electronics UK Ltd to partner the electronics giant and bring to market the new range of Samsung A4 & A3 print devices. David Thompson - Head of OA Channel Sales UK & Ireland said everyone at Samsung is fully behind this undertaking and it is a real pleasure for Samsung to be associated with this company, confident that we are represented

As a truly global organisation with an extensive range of awardwinning products and a firm commitment to eco-friendly practice, it should come as no surprise that we are ranked second in the world for A4 mono and colour laser printing. Our highly competitive product range meets all business needs across mono, colour, single-function and multi-function laser devices. Especially, access to the A3 copier market was limited as only few manufacturers were able to develop, produce and sell to global customers. Today, Samsung has joined this group with its own original technology in the A3 copier sector, proving its technological leadership. Samsung Mobile Print The Samsung Mobile Print App, which doesn’t require a new driver or network configurations, ensures that your mobile devices, such as smart phones and mobile tablets, are loaded with all the latest print, scan and file transferring capabilities. From wirelessly printing files or web pages, and then sharing documents with across social networking sites, to receiving scans from your Samsung Multifunction Printer, you can enjoy a faster and easier way of working. Supporting a wide variety of Samsung printers and various mobile operating systems, the Samsung Mobile Print App is perfect for both office and personal use. It is a must-have for those who work in the fast lane.

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Units 52 & 53 Evans Business Centre, Earls Road Industrial Estate, Earls Roads, Grangemouth FK3 8UU 01324 578435 • email: sandy.muir@leemic.com • www.leemic.co.uk

Business Awards O

ur first business awards proved to be an outstanding success with over 340 guests attending a magical gala dinner at the MacDonald Inchyra Hotel in Polmont. Entertainment was provided by forensic mind reader Colin Cloud, who amazed the audience with unbelievable feats of mind reading and mental profiling which left his “victims” baffled and bewildered. Businesses from across the Forth Valley were recognised for their achievements in a host of categories, and Liz Cameron, CEO of Scottish Chambers commented that the evening was “a fantastic event”. Guests heard a presentation from Brigadier Paul Harkness who was representing the main sponsors, the Ministry of Defence and SaBRE, and a total of £2,618 was raised for Help the Heroes and ViNE projects, supporting ex-servicemen and women into self-employment. CEO of Forth Valley Chamber Laurence Barrett said, “The awards were a wonderful celebration of the diversity and achievements of businesses in the Forth Valley. The standard of entry was incredibly high and we are hugely proud of our business community. It is a pleasure to be able to work with them and we will continue to offer the best support we can to enable them to grow and develop.”

Awards photography by Rhoddy Stewart.

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

2014 O

n behalf of the Armed Forces and SaBRE (Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers) in Scotland, it gave me great pleasure to have supported the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2014. Defence plays a vital role in the economy of the UK by protecting your interests both at home and abroad. The freedoms and security provided by the Armed Forces creates the stable conditions necessary for commerce and industry to flourish. The skills, experience and reputation of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, makes the United Kingdom the country of first choice for many nations around the world for closer partnerships and alliances. Those skills and experiences that make the United Kingdom's Armed Forces so attractive are available to British businesses as well. The United Kingdom's defence posture has changed in line with the changing global threats to the country's interests. Structured and equipped to respond rapidly to an emerging threat, the British Armed Forces remain one of the most potent war fighting organisations in the world. The secret to our success is our people. Highly trained, multi-skilled and committed to serving their country, the Armed Forces are made up of both Regulars and Reservists, integrated together to make a world-class organisation. Some of you will already employ highly trained Reservists, some of you may be unaware of the advantages that exist in having Reservists in your business. The same excellence that they provide around the world is available to you. In Scotland we are increasing the size of the Reserves to 4,250, bringing more highly skilled and professionally trained people to your work force. The opportunities for businesses in Scotland has just got better. Brigadier P K Harkness MBE Commander 51 (Scottish) Brigade

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

Award Winners

BEST SALES AND MARKETING – DENVIR MARKETING

BEST FAMILY BUSINESS – RS ERSKINE & CO

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR – ANN-MAREE MORRISON

BEST GREEN BUSINESS – OLDBAUM SERVICES

BEST SMALL BUSINESS – YOUR EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS

BEST YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR – BRUCE WALKER

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

BEST NEW ENTREPRENEUR – COREY SHARP

BEST LARGE BUSINESS – EDINMORE CONTRACTS

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE – LIFE FIT PHYSIOTHERAPY

BEST START-UP – THE CALEDONIAN CHEESECAKE COMPANY

BEST SOCIAL ENTERPRISE – THE GINGERBREAD CAFÉ

BEST E-COMMERCE – CENTRAL SCOTLAND BALLET SCHOOL

MOST INNOVATIVE PRODUCT – CLEARWATER CONTROLS

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

Falkirk Schoolboy Picks up Top Business Award for Entrepreneurship

t was a night to be remembered for one young businessman who was surprised to be presented with a special award for entrepreneurship at the Forth Valley Chamber Business Awards.

Corey Sharp, aged 10, Chief Executive of Corster’s Computers, had entered the Business Awards in two categories and impressed the judges both with his presentation and his understanding of the world of commerce. His company, set up with capital investment from his mum and dad and already in profit, simplifies the world of modern technology for those of us of an older generation. Corey offers one to one or group lessons explaining how to use Apps, Skype, Instagram and other mysteries of Smartphones, Tablets and now, Phablets. (do keep up!) Corey, who attends Stenhousemuir Primary School, has been working with business advisors from the Chamber of Commerce and with social enterprise experts from the Falkirk CVS and is bursting with ideas for developing new business opportunities. He was presented with his award by Brigadier Paul Harkness, who also awarded Corey the Brigadier’s medal for excellence Brigadier Harkness said, “Corey is a very impressive young man who I am sure is going to go on to achieve great things.” Corey was stunned to be given his award in front of an audience of over 330 businessmen and women, and said, “I’m really happy to get this award and the Brigadier’s medal is cool. There are only 50 of them awarded so I am really pleased to have one.”

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

Awards photography by Rhoddy Stewart.

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

Releasing the Value from Your Business

ADVERTISING FEATURE

or a lot of my entrepreneurial clients, their pension is their “business”. What does this mean? In a nutshell, they have always planned to use the proceeds arising from the sale of their business to fund the bulk of their retirement – for example, by either investing those proceeds in stocks and shares to achieve an income from dividends , investing in buy- to- let flats to receive monthly rental income or buying an annuity which will give them a set guaranteed monthly income for the remainder of their days – often a combination of all three and lots of other things besides! This all sounds good ... so what’s the problem. In the current economic climate, it seems that more business owners are finding that they are compromised when it comes to putting their business on the market for sale. Why should this be the case? Well nowadays the business owner often finds himself offering employment and/or shares in the business to other family members, often their own sons and daughters, who are unable to find jobs on leaving school or University or who have found themselves being made redundant. So all of a sudden, the

business is providing a vital income stream not only to the founding entrepreneur but also to his family. A new family business is born. As a result of the above, we have seen a rise in the number of “recently formed” family business owners asking our advice on how best to pay for their retirement whilst keeping the business intact to fund the income of the next generation. For some, the position is simple and clear – there are sufficient profits generated by the normal operating activities of the business to fund the founding members during their retirement as well as funding the income of the next generation working in the business. However it’s very often not possible to fund an income for the retiring founder members from future profits generated from the business - so the alternative is to find a way of unlocking value from the business by withdrawing capital from the business. If you find yourself in this position, then under current tax legislation, there is an opportunity to take out a

cause you to breach the ER conditions). For example, by taking a lesser income out of the business over a period leading up to retirement (income you would normally take out by way of salary and dividends at much higher rates of tax), you can ensure that there is sufficient cash available to withdraw from the business at time of retirement. So clearly there is a lot to think about if you wish to go down this buy back route and take advantage both the capital distribution tax treatment and ER relief so the sooner your plan is formulated the better to secure the future nest egg you desire.

Carol Wright is a Partner in Springfords LLP, accountants and business growth specialists cwright@springfords.com www.springfords.com

5 partners

EH54 7GA

Edinburgh 0131 440 5000

If we don’t add value, we don’t deserve the business

FK1 1LL

Falkirk 01324 227 606

client

dedicated account manager

we do much more than you expect

BEYOND THE NUMBERS

Livingston 01506 242 002

EH22 3FB

people

C H A RT E R E D AC C O U N TA N T S

1=1

significant sum of money from a profitable company on retirement whilst only paying capital gains tax at the rate of 10% (rather than the top rate of28%) under the Entrepreneurs’ Relief (ER) scheme. This compares very favourably when you consider that the salaries and dividends you take out of the company are today charged to tax at rates up to 45% and 30.6% respectively! Although please remember that ER only applies to lifetime capital gains of up to £10m per individual – any gains above this will be chargeable to the higher capital gains tax rate of 28%. So rather than selling your business to a third party, the company can effectively buy back your share of the business using cash funds, providing there are sufficient “distributable profits” available (this condition has recently been relaxed but only where the buyback is the lower of £15000 or 5% of the share capital). The company must pay for buyback shares in full on the day the shares are acquired – unless the buyback is made in connection with an employees’ share scheme. Once purchased, the company would normally cancel your shares from the share register. However, it really is advisable to get HMRC to agree that the share buy back can be treated as a capital distribution rather than an income distribution otherwise you will find yourself paying tax at the much higher dividend rate (see above). If you wish to take advantage of this ER relief as well as secure capital distribution tax treatment on the buy back of your shares, then you really need to start planning at least 5 years ahead because in order to benefit, the conditions below must all be satisfied: • your company needs to be considered to be a trading business rather than an investment business - for example, more than 80% of the income generated from the business must be from trading rather than investment activities. So, if you have large sums on deposit accounts and the interest generated from these on an annual basis makes up over 20% of your annual profits then ER may not apply. • You must hold more than 5% of the company’s ordinary share capital and voting rights • You must have held all the shares being acquired for at least 5 years to obtain capital treatment of own purchase and ER relief (only 12 months to secure ER treatment alone) • You must be an employee or an officer (e.g. Director or Company Secretary) of the Company for at least 12 months prior to the date of sale In addition, you may need to plan the build up of a cash fund in the company (while still ensuring that this doesn’t

three offices

Edinburgh: 0131 440 5000 • Falkirk: 01324 227 606 • Livingston: 01506 242 002 Email: mail@springfords.com

www.springfords.com

Don’t wait until it’s too late to update your I.T strategy...

Strategic IT planning isn’t the most glamorous of business activities, often resulting in it being overlooked with costly results. We will help you understand and mitigate the risks to your business, and can provide advice and support for: • Upsizing • Downsizing • Moving premises • Security • Legacy systems • and much more...

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BUSINESS SUPPORT

Mindfulness in Business A healthy mind makes a healthy business

oogle provide it for their employees. Steve Jobs did it. Oxford University research its benefits for people with depression, whilst Harvard Business School teaches it as a path to world-leading leadership. Doctors right around the world recommend it to reduce stress, worry and anxiety. Shouldn't you be practicing mindfulness in your business life? Mindfulness is so good you'd be tempted to dismiss it as a load of New Age rubbish which asks you to sit still and do nothing much, simply to pay attention to what is going on right here in the present moment. The cynic in you might be on the verge of turning the page at this very instant... which would be a shame and a big mistake. The claimed benefits for mindfulness are not plucked out of the air but are shown time and again in more than 2500 research papers from as far afield as Stanford University in California to universities in Australia and New Zealand. So what exactly is mindfulness? It's a set of exercises or practices that require you to “pay attention non-judgementally to all that's going on in the present moment”. The main exercise is like meditation except you're not trying to achieve anything; you're just practicing being aware. Sound weird? It is. But it very quickly shows you how much we live on automatic pilot, and from a business point of view how stuck we are in old ingrained habits when we make decisions. For many of us we also see how busy our minds are, restlessly flitting from concern about one issue, to worrying about another, and trying to plan and re-plan our frantic lives, all the while being distracted time and again by emails, phone calls and other distractions. Oh, and then there's the little matter of our spouse, partner, parents, kids, friends (remember them?) and home. Leisure time? Hobbies? How did it all get like this in our business lives? When we live on auto-pilot we just firefight and react to life. Life lives us rather than us being in control of life. Or more precisely and importantly, our mind makes decisions for us instead of us being in control of our mind. And it wears us out in the process. Mindfulness pulls us away from all that bustle. It lets us achieve a new way of being. I know. That sounds so unrealistic but it's true. A way of being that takes one thing at a time, one moment at a time, making clear, simple decisions slowly and unhurriedly, almost as if we have found a way to live life in slow motion. Many of the little beauties of life come back into view for us, and yet we become more productive even as the stress falls away through the working day. At the end of the day your business succeeds or fails based on two major factors - external things over which we have no control; and the decisions we make and ideas we have each and every day. We do have control over these, and we can transform their quality when we establish a clear, calm, unworried mind. That's exactly what mindfulness will develop in you. Martin Stepek CEO Scottish Family Business Association (UK Family Business Ambassador Award 2011) Mindfulness Consultant Author, For There is Hope (Winner USA-Canada Pinnacle Award 2013)

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

MEMBER NEWS

Chemical engineer Allen has solutions for drinks industry

n expert in the mechanics of Scotch whisky production explains how he resolved a tricky career dilemma by going into business with his father. What does your business produce, what services does it offer? Allen Associates is the largest Scottish-based chemical and process engineering design consultancy serving the Scotch whisky and related industries. We work mainly in the drinks, food and process industries, both in the UK and internationally, and customers range from small craft distillers to multi-national corporations. We offer a range of professional engineering solutions and carry out studies and risk assessments to ensure clients comply with regulations. We design new processes and equipment specification to improve customer operations, and we project manage developments as well as designing and selling bespoke equipment for distilleries.

Who does it sell to? Our client list includes Glenmorangie, Glenfarclas, Macallan, Morrison-Bowmore, Beam Global, Whyte & Mackay, Diageo, Innis and Gunn, and Coca Cola. Our latest projects include the design of the new Tullamore Dew distillery in Ireland for William Grant & Sons, due to open next autumn, and the design and installation of a new spirit handling system for The Edrington Group's blending and bottling plant in Glasgow. The spirit handling system includes unloading cask-strength whisky from a tanker, blending it with other whisky, marrying it and then reducing the strength ready for bottling.

What is its turnover? In the region of ÂŁ1Â million per year.

How many employees? We have a team of six graduate chemical engineers and recently recruited a trainee Computer-Aided Design draughtsman. We also have a formal network of experienced associates who support us as required.

How did you raise the start-up funding? At the time of going into the business with my dad, my wife and I had some savings, so those came in useful.

When was it formed? My father Bill launched Allen Associates in 1994 as a sole proprietor business. He was a retired chemical engineer and started working with distilleries. In 1999, myself, my dad and colleague Steve Ryde took the business to limited company status and moved to the Innovation Park in Stirling in 2001. Tragically, dad and Steve have since died and I've been running the business as sole director since 2010.

Why did you take the plunge? I was happy to work with my dad as we always got on well with each other - we were good friends and did a lot together, going to football and hill walking. I also really liked and trusted his colleague Steve. We talked about the possibility of working together for a few years before it actually happened. From time to time, I helped him out with design calculations and proof-checking his work when he was a sole proprietor. I faced a dilemma which many engineers do in their career. I wanted to take on more responsibility but still loved the day-to-day hands-on buzz of design and site work. But I knew that staying with a large company would mean taking a management track in order to progress my career. So when I got the chance to become part of Allen Associates as a limited company, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to take my career in the direction I wanted but remain working in a fantastic industry.

What were you doing before you took the plunge? After graduating as a chemical engineer from Strathclyde University, I worked with FosterWheeler as a design engineer in Reading. After a few years, I wanted to return to Scotland so joined ICI as a project engineer at their yeast and flavours plant in Clackmannanshire.

FORTH VALLEY â&#x20AC;˘ SPRING 2014

What was your biggest break? Discovering Strathclyde University's graduate placement programme for final year MEng chemical engineering students as it has acted as an extended recruitment process for us. As the business grew, our new engineers were recruited after working with us on placements. This means we recruit staff we know fit in with our culture and values and it allows graduates to decide if Allen Associates is right for them. Everyone who has joined us in this way is still here and thriving.

What do you most enjoy about running the business? Working with a great team; we are all friends as well as colleagues and that makes a huge difference in a small company. Then there is the sheer variety of the work we are asked to do and the professional satisfaction of knowing I am using the skills and knowledge from my degree allied to the experience I've gained along the way to help our clients. Travelling around Scotland to visit distilleries in some of the nicest parts of the country is not bad either.

What do you least enjoy? When things don't go exactly as planned, dealing with difficult people who seem to be following their own agenda rather than working as a team to put things right.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned? Just how critical having good staff is and, when you have them, making sure you keep them.

How do you relax? My main interests are football and hill walking. I still play football with my friends once a week and take my wee boy to see his team (Dundee United) every other week. I'm a keen hill walker and when I find the time I like to get out on the hills, I've climbed about 200 Munros. I also like spending time with my family.

Central Scotlands Leading Independent Sports Outlet

zzOfficial supplier of Spalding Apparel to the British Basketball League.

zzMajor supplier of Basketball Apparel and Equipment.

zzOne of Scotland’s leading suppliers of all Football Team-wear and Training Equipment.

zzLeading supplier of Lawn Bowls Apparel and Equipment, we are also the only

retailer in Scotland, to have an indoor ‘short mat’ to enable customers to get a feel of and throw bowls before they buy.

zzSupplier of Corporate & Work-wear. zzSupplier of Trophies & Medals for all sports & occasions.

zzIn-house design, print and embroidery facilities.

1 Almond Court, Middlefield Industrial Estate, Falkirk FK2 9HT Tel 01324 873804 • Fax 01324 873804 • Mob 07834 062871 Email robert@rjmsports.co.uk • www.rjmsports.co.uk

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www.blue2.co.uk Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, launched March 2014

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“The real difference between success & failure in a corporation can be very often traced to the question of how well the organization brings out the great energies and talents of its people." [Thomas J. Watson. A Business and its Beliefs (1963)]

oor Work Wellbeing appears to be a growing issue which is having seriously negative effects on organisations, individuals and society. Work 4 Wellbeing (W4W) is a social enterprise which aims to help improve Work Wellbeing understanding and appreciation by encouraging greater collaboration between key stakeholders. Wellbeing can be a barrier to organisational success, employment, career progression, productivity and a better life. Everyone knows a person, organisation or family who has suffered Wellbeing issues and many stakeholders are detrimentally affected. Recent research indicates that stress, suicide, obesity, back problems, RSI, presenteeism and conflict are growing issues and few of these occur on a `9 to 5` basis. Current economic challenges including unemployment and austerity mean it has never been more important to create positive work cultures which deliver better outcomes for organisations, individuals, local communities and our society. Work 4 Wellbeing invited internationally recognised Wellbeing expert Liggy Webb to deliver a seminar at the Falkirk Business Hub and we took the opportunity to ask her a few questions:

Why do employers need to be concerned with issues of Wellbeing? Liggy – A paper entitled “Working for a Healthier Tomorrow” conducted for the UK government in 2008 by Dame Carol Black estimated that the cost of sickness to the economy is approximately £100 billion per annum. Back pain has been overtaken by

stress as the main reason for absenteeism and presenteeism, and by 2020 depression will be one of the top three illnesses in terms of number of sufferers. This all has a huge impact on employers and is something that they must deal with.

What do you mean by the term “presenteeism”? Liggy – Presenteeism is being physically present at work but not fit to carry out the day to day activities. This results in demotivation, conflict and targets not being met, and in itself generates more stress! Staff often soldier on and are reluctant to flag up issues of mental health because they feel this will be viewed in a negative way by employers and could affect their career. There is still a stigma attached to mental health issues which means people try to hide the problems they are having.

So what are the signs which employers should be looking out for?

stress, by showing staff how to effectively manage the daily barrage of emails we all receive, and which eat into our working day. There is also a wide range of organisations who have online resources and toolkits which employers can access to create a happy and healthy workplace. Liggy Webb is a best selling author and international consultant specialising in behavioural skills. She works with the United Nations and travels to various worldwide locations including duty stations and peace missions. Liggy is also the founding director of The Learning Architect, an international consortium of behavioural skills specialists. She is recognised as a thought leader on modern life skills and is regularly asked to be an inspirational keynote speaker across private and public sector. Email liggy@liggywebb.com for more information - Follow Liggy on Twitter@Liggyw

Liggy – Staff who are emotional or quick to rise to conflict around certain trigger points. Equally staff who have become very lethargic and disengaged, leading to mistakes being made and everyday tasks not being completed. Line managers need to be more accountable for the staff they manage and be aware when someone is showing signs of not coping.

Finally, what can employers realistically do to help? Liggy - I believe that there are too many overly complicated processes and systems in the workplace, which lead to pressure and thus stress. Employers need to simplify their systems where they can, and work closely with the staff on how to manage their time. They could start with the dreaded email

Liggy Webb

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

Service • Reliability • Quality • Integrity One of Europe’s foremost non-destructive testing organisations. Inspection Ecosse Limited offer specialised Non Destructive Testing including Radiographic, Ultrasonic, Dye Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Inspections, with fully qualified technicians. We operate in all industries including: • Oil Refining • Petrochemicals • Engineering • Shipping • Power Supply • Food and Brewing • Non Destructive Testing A vital role in a variety of industrial, commercial and service applications. Inspection Ecosse Ltd., Unit 1D, Laurieston Industrial Estate, Old Redding Road, Falkirk FK2 9JU www.inspectionecosse.com

Tel: 01324 627 772

3D Developments Ltd Coaching for Change and Transformation Performance Coaching offers transformational approaches to enhance business skills, supports and enables high performing teams and individuals whilst maintaining management integrity. We offer Executive, Management, Supervisory and Team Facilitation Coaching. We are committed to:

Providing high quality coaching services Giving personal care and attention Being professional, ethical and enthusiastic Providing solution focussed results Based in Bo’ness, we are the only Coaching Business in Scotland licensed to offer Spectrum™ Emotional Coaching to improve business skills and individual Health & Wellbeing. The Chartered Management Institute recently quoted that £12.2bn a year is lost due to sick days taken.

Spectrum™ Emotional Coaching for Health and Wellbeing helps businesses maintain happy, healthy and productive

employees. We help individuals’ fine tune and focus on what matters to them so that they have better Life Work Balance and are more productive. Emotional Coaching encourages solution focussed thinking, helps people make better choices and create their own strategies to achieve desired results. It enables people to change relationships with anything causing stress, that is negative or which has held them back in the past, allowing them to move forward and achieve more of what they want. Over the last five years we have been involved with Synergy Affiliates utilising Spectrum™ in the effective treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other related problems, producing some great results. The results achieved are measurable and supported by research. Working with charities, 3000 individuals, many of whom include Ex-Services Veterans, have achieved very positive results. Spectrum™ Emotional Coaching is also proving successful for the treatment of addiction, smoking cessation, weight loss, anxiety, depression and personal development.

INTERESTED? - Please contact Joan Boyd 01506-499645 or 07887 984079 A DISCOUNT OF 5% IS AVAILABLE TO CHAMBER MEMBERS. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF FORTH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AWARDS 3D Developments Ltd, 99 Blair Avenue, Deanburn, Bo’ness, EH51 0QP Tel: 01506 499645 • Mobile: 07887 984079 • www. nlp-coaching-scotland.co.uk Registered in Scotland No 211387

For a no obligation quote call

01259 722930 or email salesarmstrongs@aol.com Armstrong Printing (Alloa) Ltd Inglewood House, Inglewood, Alloa FK10 2HU

FOR ALL YOUR PRINT REQUIREMENTS DIGITAL PRINT SERVICES Ideal for small quantities

LITHO PRINT SERVICES Ideal for larger quantities Brochures Folded Leaflets Stationery Magazines Newsletters NCR Books and Pads Invoices Raffle Tickets and much more

Flyers Posters Leaflets Business cards Postcards Booklets Calendars and much more

Artwork/design service also available

Are You Struggling with your tax return?  Looking for an accountant who will help you make more profit and pay less tax?  Starting out in business?

For all your accountancy and taxation needs



We can help.

Barrie Scott & Co is a firm of Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors with offices in Falkirk and Bathgate We offer audit, accounts, and taxation services together with business support and advisory services to a wide range of owner managed businesses, clubs, associations, charities and individuals.



Compliance Services

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Consultancy & Systems Advice

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Business Start-Up

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Taxation

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Accounts

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Audit

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Tax

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Payroll

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•

Record Keeping & Office Support Services Head Office 20 BARNTON STREET STIRLING FK8 1NE 01786 474718 ALSO AT BONNYBRIDGE, AUCHTERARDER & CALLANDER

T: 01324 637654 • F: 01324 635678 • 16-18 Weir Street • Falkirk FK1 1RA office@barriescott.co.uk • www.barriescott.co.uk

headoffice@dicksonmiddleton.co.uk www.dicksonmiddleton.co.uk

NEW MEMBERS' PROFILE Mark Ferguson Photography

Allen Associates

Mark Ferguson is one of Scotland’s top photographers, having worked with many of Europe’s leading media organisations and on major corporate projects over the past two decades.

We are a Scottish based process engineering consultancy working in the food and drink industry with particular prominence in the distilling industry. All graduate Chemical Engineers, we provide process design and project engineering services to our clients including Diageo, Glenmorangie, Angus Dundee, Morrison Bowmore, etc. Our current projects include the design of the new Still House and Filling Store at William Grants & Sons Tullamore Distillery in Ireland and for the design of a new CIP system at Glengoyne Distillery.

He has amassed an impressive portfolio of commercial and corporate clients, gaining great kudos from within Scotland’s business community, from the shop floor to the board room. Examples of his work can be found almost daily in newspapers and magazines across the UK, while his images have also graced the pages of renowned international publications.

Tel: 07931 251898 Email: mark@markfergusonphotographer.com Web: www.markfergusonphotographer.com

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum housed in Stirling Castle traces over 200 years of one of Scotland’s elite military regiments - The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum offers something for everyone and is an essential part of any visit to Stirling. The Museum can be hired for entertaining clients, business or conferences or events.

Tel: 01786 475165 Mob: 07551 949326 Web: www.Argylls.co.uk

Tel: 01786 448777 Email: scott@allenhpe.co.uk Web: www.allenhpe.co.uk

Ceteris is a not for profit organisation with a property portfolio of around 240,000 sq ft.and with premises ranging from serviced offices to light industrial, modern to Grade A listed buildings and new build to refurbished. Sizes range from small offices of 100 sq ft, to workshop units of 5000 sq ft. We also provide business training, advice and support services, and operate the premier conference and wedding venue in Clackmannanshire, Gean House.

Tel: 01259 726 430 Email: mail@ceteris.co.uk Web: www.ceteris.co.uk

Stirling Credit Union Membership of Stirling Credit Union is open to all who work or live in Stirling and the Forth Valley. Credit Unions are regulated by the PRA and the FCA and deposits up to £85,000 are secured by the FSCS. We offer savings accounts, deposit accounts, a variety of fast-decision loans for members, and a prepaid Visa debit card. Profits are distributed to members by dividend. We have ambitious growth plans and we are especially interested in meeting with company owners to discuss the benefits of membership for you and for your staff.

Tel: 01786 519159 Email: info@stirlingcreditunion.co.uk Web: www.stirlingcreditunuion.co.uk

Tel: 07873 327273 Email: craig.dolier@cmdelectricalengineersltd.co.uk Web: www.cmdelectricalengineersltd.co.uk

Verifier Ltd

Verifier Ltd install, service and maintain electronic fire & security systems across the Central belt of Scotland. Our services include: Established January 2001, Firebreak has been providing fire extinguisher & fire alarm servicing plus associated fire system servicing, training & risk assessment services locally for 13 years. We’ve been the sole service company to the local fire service & suppliers to the MOD since 2005. We’re audited & accredited by 2 independent fire trades associates, qualified & insured so you know you’re in safe hands when you choose us. From servicing 1-1000 fire extinguishers, a large fire alarm system, fire training or Risk Assessment, we won’t be beaten on price by anyone in the Stirling, Falkirk & West Lothian area.

Albion Mobility Albion Mobility are a family owned and run Company established in 2006, who supply a full range of mobility equipment and aids to daily living to the private market. We are authorised dealers for the top mobility manufacturers and for the ‘Motability’ scheme; we also supply a number of national charities with all their mobility provisions in Scotland. Our services include assessment, provision, delivery set up and full product lifetime back up. We are proud to offer our clients trustworthy recommendations to make a positive difference to their lives and were voted winners of the BHTA Excellence award in the field of Mobility 2 years running.

Tel: 01259 272167 Email: sales@albionmobility.co.uk Web: www.albionmobility.co.uk

CMD Formed in 2009, our core business has been centred on Designing, Supplying & Commissioning Fire Detection Systems. Working in conjunction with UK Manufacturers, we provide both Conventional & Addressable Solutions for all types of Commercial & Industrial properties. We now offer an extended range of life safety products; • Domestic Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Since 2010, we have been importing Designer Radiators from Italy and supplying to market in the UK and Ireland. With our TOSO Radiators UK range we aim to grow our UK market share in future years.

Firebreak

Tel: 08456 448248 Email: info@firebreak.co.uk Web: www.firebreak.co.uk

Ceteris

• Emergency Lighting & General Lighting to suit all budgets. • Safety Signage • Disabled Refuge Systems. • Disabled WC & Nurse Call Systems (both Addressable & Conventional) • Induction Loop Systems • LED Lamps and Lighting

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

• CCTV - with remote viewing from smartphones, tablets or PC’s • Power and wire free internal or external video verified alarms - Ideal for construction sites, empty property, portable or temporary high value protection, and high risk applications such as garden centres, scaffolding or boats. • Wire free access control - allowing you to restrict movement throughout your building without the need for keys. • Home security - Wire free security systems, sending an alert to your phone, our control room or both. • Ask us about discounts available to Chamber members, including discount offer on home security systems extended to your staff.

Tel: 03309 990112 Email: info@verifier.ltd.co.uk Web: www.verifier-ltd.co.uk

Robertson Training Ltd Not all training is the same. Whilst some providers centre on what services they can sell to you, our focus and effort is on developing the type of training that you want and need. We believe that engaged people do great things. It is this belief that drives us and ensures our programmes deliver the maximum benefit possible. We’ve trained over 50,000 people, the population equivalent of the City of Stirling! Our clients tell us that our approach to enabling our customers’ competence is more successful than many traditional training methods. We train to suit your needs and your working practices, this means we can deliver in-house training at your location, or we can offer our industry leading programmes in our new Stirling training venue. Headed by award winning HR professional Derek Robertson, Robertson Training provides world class training designs, combined with expert facilitation. We ensure that participants can apply their learning straight away and give you the return on your training investment.

Tel: 01786 447548 Email: enquiries@robertsontraining.co.uk Web: www.robertsontraining.co.uk

Finestra Blinds We are a small but well-established family run business who make made to measure blinds for your home or business. We offer a full range of styles and materials and a professional fitting service at affordable prices.

NEW MEMBERS' PROFILES We have a great selection of fabrics and colours to choose from and, if you are feeling spoilt for choice, we are always happy to send you some free samples. With over a decades experience we pay great attention to detail so your blinds are made to the highest standard and in line with current safety legislation.

more streamlined service to our clients. Our design department will take your ideas and guide you through the design process to make them a reality, then provide you with sound advice on how to use your new identity to its full potential.

We are continually adding to our range so you can now visit our website and browse through our collection of readymade curtains and soft furnishings – everything you need to complete your room design.

The customer service you receive has over 40 years combined experience behind it in all areas of graphic design and print, so you can be sure you are receiving the best advice and service available when you make your enquiry.

Tel: 01324 880051 Mob: 07849 197330 Web: www.finestrablinds.co.uk

Tel: 01786 466799 Email: stirling@printing.com Web: www.stirlingprinting.com

Great Time Scotland Ltd.

Osborne Heath

The company, located at Ledard Farm, Kinlochard in the Trossachs, specialises in corporate hospitality and entertainment. Off-farm it has a Highland Games team,the Quack Commandos (a sheepdog and duck display team), a Jacobite weaponry display team; and various musical offers, including a folk duo, a ceilidh band(The Kinlochard Ceilidh Band) and a French Musette/Parisian Cafe Music trio(Les Trois Blondes).

We are a team of passionate, highly skilled individuals who make soft furnishing products for the contract interiors market. We work predominantly in the hospitality sector and our clients include hotel groups such as Hilton, Marriot and HandPicked Hotels. Five star resorts include Gleneagles, Turnberry and Archerfield.

On farm the company offers clay pigeon shooting, fishing, mountain biking and canoeing on Loch Ard, and a function suite including MacGregor's Barn(built 1604) for functions for up to 50 persons..

We work with designers but we are also happy to help clients ourselves with ideas for curtains and design schemes. We have our own upholstery workshops where we manufacture fixed seating, bed headboards and wall panelling and carry out general re-upholstery and restoration work.

Tel: 01877 387219/07742 621907 Email: info@greattimescotland.com/ ceilidhband@btconnect.com Web: www.greattimescotland.com; www.scottishceilidh-band.co.uk; www.les-trois-blondes.co.uk www.quackcommandos.co.uk

Creation Social Media

We are known for our attention to detail and quality of installation. Our work is of the highest standard and we operate across the UK and internationally having completed projects in the South of France, Amsterdam and Dubai.

Tel: 01259 215555 Email: info@osborneheath.com Web: www.osborneheath.com

KST Marketing Creation Social Media was founded in 2011 by Helen Warburton and Graham Innes. We understand that Social Media is an amazing opportunity for businesses to engage with their clients, marketing in a way that they couldn’t have achieved in the past. Creation Social Media provides tailored Social Media Training to businesses large and small. From a one-off project, in-depth training, workshops or consultancy work, we can accommodate your requirements. We particularly look at the strategy of using Social Media to create the biggest impact for you and your business..

Tel: 07786 036609 Email: Helen.warburton@creationsocialmedia.com Web: www.creationsocial media.com

Printing.com Scotland Printing.com Stirling has been working with local businesses in Forth Valley for over eight years, providing graphic design and printing services for all types of marketing material with a guaranteed service at competitive prices. We have recently added a Digital Print Department, allowing us to provide an even quicker and

KST Marketing are proud publishers of Love Local Magazine. Love Local Magazine is an independent magazine which aims to bring local businesses and communities together to create a positive impact on the local economy. Love Local is a free bi-monthly magazine with a circulation of 31,000 copies and extensive, reliable distribution by the Royal Mail across Stirling, Bridge of Allan and Dunblane. Each magazine is produced to a high quality with entertaining and informative, locally sourced content complemented by advertising for all business sectors.T he magazine is also supported by LoveLocalMag.com which hosts a magazine library of previous editions, business directory, local events guide, money saving vouchers and competitions. SPECIAL OFFER: 20% off advertising rates for initial booking by Forth Valley Chamber members.

Tel: 07824 630305 Email: info@kstmarketing.com Web: www.lovelocalmag.com

Wide Eye Marketing

the budget to have a marketing team. We can offer our help in all respects of marketing and account management. We will help you and your business go through a transformation and be there with you from the start until the very end. Whether it is a project or a full make over, we have the expertise to do the job right. Our key focus is to deliver commercial results and add value to our customers. • We are GROUNDED • We are IMAGINATIVE • We have a FRESH PERSPECTIVE Be Inspired by Wide Eye Marketing and open your eyes to new and exciting business opportunities and growth.

Mob: Stacey 07590 998685, Jo 07801 816866 Email: stacey@wideeyemarketing.co.uk, Jo@wideeyemarketing.co.uk Web: www.wideeyemarketing.co.uk

Dataspace Scotland

Dataspace Scotland is a privately owned Records Management and Data Backup Solutions provider based in Stirling, and operating throughout Scotland, the UK and Europe. Our services include Offsite Document Storage, Backup Media Storage, Document Scanning, Document Destruction, Archive Box Supplies, Cloud File Storage, Secure Online Access and Tracking. We supply, repair and provide maintenance services for data backup systems from the majority of manufacturers including HP, Dell, IBM, Storagetek, Adic, Quantum and Sun. To find out how our services can help your business reduce cost, reduce risk and manage your documents and data more effectively.

Tel: 01786 870967 Email: info@dataspacescotland.co.uk Web: www.dataspacescotland.co.uk

The Letting Company

The Letting Company is a specialist Letting Agency based in Central Scotland. Operating from a base in Grangemouth town centre, the expert team supports landlords and tenants step by step through the letting process. The owner David Richardson, the award winning business owner operates a transparent service offering only the highest quality properties in a process that is seamless and efficient. The Letting Co is an independently owned Letting Agency, therefor can offer a truly personal service at very competitive rates. The ability to act with discretion, confidence and trust has seen The Letting Co. grow from strength to strength in a fast moving, modern property market. Offering a modern, fresh approach to letting, the company is at the forefront of legislative change supporting fairer laws between landlord and tenant. Clients can be assured of a high quality, trustworthy, profession service from the Letting Co.

Tel: 01324 486888 Email: david@theletting-co.com Web: www.theletting-co.com

As a marketing consulting business, Wide Eye Marketing are a fresh pair of eyes on your business. Our 6 Step Process is proven to work for SME businesses who either don’t have the in-house expertise or

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2014

the grange manor Winter Wonderland Wedding Package Available 2014 – 2015

Piper

Evening disco

White chair covers and sashes

Winter wonderland candy buffet

Top table and cake table swag

Evening buffet

Drinks package

Complimentary honeymoon suite

Selection of three winter canapés Luxury three tier wedding cake

60 DAY GUESTS 100 EVENING GUESTS £5000.00

Top table flower display

Additional day guests £50.00

3 course set wedding breakfast

Additional evening guests £9.95

Snow machine

Children 5 – 12 years old £20.00

White LED dance floor

Children under 5 - complimentary

For full package details please call us on 01324 474836. Email info@grangemanor.co.uk website www.grangemanor.co.uk.

ADVERTISE your business in...

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Now open in Linlithgow Qualified and Highly Trained Staff Early opening at 7.30 am Escort service to and from local nursery schools Ample on-street parking

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1 Burnbank Road, Falkirk FK2 7PE T: 01324 613 311

MEMBERS' REGISTER 3D Developments Ltd

Bellair (Scotland) Limited

Clydesdale Bank PLC

Dtech

A.R.D. Consultancy Limited

Bespoke Executive Tailors

CMD Electrical Engineers Ltd

Earls Gate Business Park

Ace Tyres & Exhausts

Bibby Factors Scotland Ltd

01506 499645 joan.b@3d-coaching.com

01324 670555 david.young@ardconsultancy.co.uk

01324 639984 sales@acetyresfalkirk.co.uk

Action Insight Management Ltd 01324 867733 graeme@aim-eu.com

Active Stirling Ltd

0300 028 0101 askus@activestirling.org.uk

AG Office Supplies Ltd 01324 871857 richard@agofficesupplies.co.uk

Airdrie Savings Bank

01324 624501 falkirk@airdriesavingsbank.com

Albion Mobility Ltd 01259 272167 sales@albionmobility.co.uk

Alexander Ross Holdings Ltd 0333 000 0050 robert.ross@alexanderross.co.uk

Allen Associates (HPE) Ltd 01786 448777 scott@allenhpe.co.uk

07967 115193 antoninemassagetherapy@hotmail.co.uk

Applegreen Homes Ltd 0141 354 1618 alan@applegreenhomes.com

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum 01786 475165 CEO@argylls.co.uk

0141 227 8475 jmcguffie@bibbyfinancialservices.com

Bierce Technical Services Ltd 01480 445080 squinn@bierce.co.uk

Blueton Ltd

01324 829661 louises@bluetonltd.com

Borland Financial Management

01383 623 300 paul.baillie@borlandfinancial.co.uk

Boys Brigade - Carronvale House 01324 562800 keith.morrison@boys-brigade.org.uk

British Heart Foundation 01259 220451 staffordl@bhf.org.uk

CafĂŠ Albert Ltd

01786 860333 info@cafealbert.co.uk

Campbell Dallas LLP

Candle Shack Limited 01324 228522 duncan@candle-shack.co.uk

Candour IFA Limited

01259 211444 bryanmabon@candour-ifa.co.uk

Canmore Business Service Limited 07853 360344 rory@canmore.co

Armstrong Printing (Alloa) Ltd 01259 722930 salesarmstrongs@aol.com

Astute Facilities Management Ltd 0131 2081 365 ry@astutefm.co.uk

Careth Ltd

01360 449042 info@carethltd.co.uk

Central Training Services Limited 01506 829883 allan@central-training.co.uk

CentralBridge Ltd

Atkinson & Co

01324 910081 neil.atkinson@atkinsonca.co.uk

Balanced Strategy Solutions 01324 717285 julie-anne@balancedstrategy.org

Barrie Scott & Co 01324 637654 office@barriescott.co.uk

01506 829447 michael@belgicafurniture.com

0844 344 0576 graham@bespokeexecutivetailors.co.uk

01786 460030 john.gold@campbelldallas.co.uk

Antonine Massage Therapy

Belgica UK

01324 614000 douglas@bellair.co.uk

01324 229435 94zly@163.com

Ceteris (Scotland) Ltd 01259 726430 mail@ceteris.co.uk

01324 508203 terry.quinn@eu.nabgroup.com

07873 327273 craig.dolier@cmdelectricalengineersltd. co.uk

Colin McKeand - Business Connector 01324 823664 colin@colinmckeand.co.uk

Common Purpose

0141 341 3355 colette.lowe@commonpurpose.org.uk

Comtech

01786 406448 hello@comtech247.net

Corporate Washroom Service Limited 01324 870719 iain@cwswashroom.co.uk

COS (Scotland) Ltd

0845 226 1896 enquiries@cos-scotland.com

Crannog Construction Ltd 01786 450022 crannogconstructionltd@gmail.com

Creation Social Media

07786 036609 helen.warburton@creationsocialmedia. com

Cubic Blue Ltd

01698 239360 stephen@cubicblue.co.uk

CVS Falkirk & District 01324 692002 karen@cvsfalkirk.org.uk

Dataspace Scotland

01786 870967 jane@dataspacescotland.co.uk

Davidson Cruse Wealth Management 01786 445060 justine.waddell@sjpp.co.uk

Delta Digital

0844 818 3959 studio@deltadigital.co.uk

Designed Now Print

07712 330773 stuart@designednowprint.com

Developing Nation

0845 338 3567 cynthia@developingnation.co.uk

01436 678808 mark@dtechuk.com

01324 494339 john.walker@calachem.com

Ecosse Peugeot Specialists Ltd 01506 516106 info@ecosse-peugeot.co.uk

Edinmore Contracts Ltd 0844 567 2999 clarke@edinmoreltd.co.uk

Endrick Trading Ltd

01360 440066 sales@scottishfoodoverseas.com

Evolutio Ltd

0844 504 6534 john@evolutio.co.uk

Executive Golf & Leisure Ltd 01786 832244 graeme@execgolf-leisure.com

Exmos Ltd

01324 486844 gordonc@exmos.com

Exolta Capital Partners 07920 008 187 russell@exolta.com

Fairdeal Glazing

0843 515 8151 sales@fairdealglazing.com

Falkirk & District Association of Mental Health 01324 671600 admin@fdamh.org.uk

Falkirk District Credit Union 01324 473695 fdcu@btconnect.com

Falkirk Football Club 01324 624121 kierank@falkirkfc.co.uk

Falkirk Football Community Foundation 01324 624121 davidc@falkirkfc.co.uk

Falkirk Trinity Church 01324 611017 thefawkirk@outlook.com

Fallin Community Enterprises (Recyke-A-Bike) 01786 447559 admin@recyke-a-bike.co.uk

CGH Creative

Dickson Middleton

01506 842953 contact@cghcreative.co.uk

01786 474718 headoffice@dicksonmiddleton.co.uk

Financial Services Appointments Ltd

Cloud Cover IT Services Ltd

DJ Manning Ltd

Finestra Blinds

07768 444498 lance@cloudcoverit.co.uk

FORTH VALLEY â&#x20AC;˘ SPRING 2014

01506 827693 marie@djmanning.co.uk

01259 212414 chris@cnewton.co.uk

01324 880051 joe_nicoletti@finestrablinds.co.uk

MEMBERS' REGISTER Finewood Holdings Ltd 01324 673100 willie@fine-wood.co.uk

Firebreak Fire Protection Services 0845 448248 info@firebreak.co.uk

First Base Accountants

Hardies Motor Group

01324 562799 iain.bolton@peugeotmail.co.uk

Helix Binders Ltd

KST Marketing

Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

Labels4Kids Ltd

01786 470044 lorraine@firstbaseaccountants.co.uk

Fitzcharles Coaches Ltd

Iain Cumming Security Solutions

Flawless Falkirk Ltd

01324 552486 flawlesspermanentcosmetics@hotmail. co.uk

Forkers Scotland Ltd 01324 666777 scotland@forkers.com

Forth Ports Ltd

01324 668401 nik.scott-gray@forthports.co.uk

Forth Valley College

01786 406077 ken.thomson@forthvalley.ac.uk

Fusion IT

01259 726633 support@fusion-ltd.co.uk

George Stevenson Consultant

01324 621 981 georgebstevenson@blueyonder.co.uk

GMS (Recordings) Ltd T/A GMS Music & Media 01324 711011 hsm@gmsmusic.com

Goddard Accounting and Tax Solutions 01786 880873 dawn@goddard-solutions.co.uk

Gracefruit Limited 01324 841353 gracefruit@gracefruit.com

Graham Robertson Electrical & Security Ltd 01786 468050 graham@graham-robertson.co.uk

Great Time Scotland Ltd 01877 387219 ceilidhband@btconnect.com

Greig Melville

01324 628676 hr@greigmelvillehr.co.uk

07817 395437 info@cummingsecurity.co.uk

IAM CATZ LTD

01506 407104 iain@smartlocalvouchers.co.uk

ID Systems UK Ltd 01324 611237 iaind@idsystemsuk.co.uk

Ideas

01324 716827 donjack@ideas.co.uk

IKM Consulting

01324 878822 ian@ikmconsulting.co.uk

INDIGOflow Wellbeing 07545 939920 gailewilson@me.com

Insurance Advisory Services (Larbert) Ltd 01324 556414 iasltd@btconnect.com

Interface - The Knowledge Connection for Business 0131 651 4791 laura@interface-online.org.uk

IPS Scotland Ltd

07745 952204 joe.murphy@ipsscotland.org

ITFA Ltd

01324 664713 admin@itfa.co.uk

Jane Nelson Interiors 07769 676595 jane@janenelsoninteriors.com

Jenkins & Co

01324 626496 graemem@jenkinsaccountants.co.uk

K.W. Peter & Co

0131 445 8608 patents@kwpeter.co.uk

Kelvin Financial Planning 0141 204 3272 chris@kelvinfp.com

GS Insurance Services Ltd

Keyline Builders Merchants

Handelsbanken

Kindlen Ltd

01738 441555 kenneth-blake@gsinsurance.co.uk

01786 463109 dabe10@handelsbanken.co.uk

01324 638471 graeme.little@keyline.co.uk

01259 757975 email@kindlen.eu

Module Architects

01786 823753 mdowey@modulearchitects.com

07968 745495 karen@kinnairdhr.co.uk

01324 629025 iain@helixbinders.co.uk

01382 631026 hi-empsp@rfca.mod.uk

01324 482093 david@fitzcharles.co.uk

Kinnaird HR Consultancy Services

Moirs Cleaning

01324 624600 enquiries@moirsresidential.com

07824 630305 info@kstmarketing.com

Ochil Timber Products Ltd 01324 825503 admin@ochiltimber.com

01786 473508 ann-maree@labels4kids.com

Ochil View T/A Bluebird Care (Forth Valley)

Leemic

01324 578435 sandy.muir@leemic.com

01324 553500 jacquiferguson@bluebirdcare.co.uk

Life Fit Physiotherapy

Open Secret

01324 433433 info@lifefitphysiotherapy.co.uk

01324 630100 traci@opensecret.org

Lithium Systems Ltd

Osborne Heath

01259 727847 stephen@lithiumsystems.co.uk

01259 215555 info@osborneheath.com

Little Kerse Leisure Ltd

Palimpsest Book Production Ltd

01324 486924 stephen@lkgalaxy.co.uk

08700 858 142 craig@palimpsest-bp.co.uk

Lochgreen Learning Limited 01324 625720 gus@lochgreen.com

Performance Golf Shops Ltd 01324 612219 stewartcraiggolfpro@gmail.com

Logic Computer Services 0800 612 6404 info@logiccomputerservices.co.uk

Phase DSCS

0844 358 9001 peter@phasebroadcast.co.uk

MacDonald Forest Hills Hotel & Resort

Phoenix Broadband Ltd

01877 389500 gm.foresthills@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

01786 230830 tfreeth@medusabusiness.com

MacDonald Inchyra Grange Hotel

Polyurethane Products and Consultancy Ltd

0844 879904 sales.inchyra@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

07739 224189 robcraw@btconnect.com

MacFarlane Gray Ltd Chartered Accountants

Positive Qualities Ltd

01786 451745 info@macfarlanegray.co.uk

01324 492726 liz@positivequalities.co.uk

MacRoberts LLP

Print Central Ltd

0141 303 1100 marketing@macroberts.com

01324 622776 sales@print-central.net

Mark Ferguson Photographer

Printing.com Stirling

Market Led Ltd

Process & Instrumentation Valves Ltd

01786 466799 stirling@printing.com

07931 251898 mark@markfergusonphotographer.com

07949 114 455 john.foley@marketled.co.uk

01324 630030 sales@piv-online.com

Martin Robertson Associates Ltd

Prowd Enterprise Ltd

01324 633550 martin@mraca.com

01259 742540 kerrymcgannprow@hotmail.com

McKnight Gracie Ltd

Readers Direct

Microspec Computers Limited

Real Improvements To Employers (RITE) Ltd

01324 861448 matthew@mcknightgracie.com

01324 636 147 david.pettigrew@microspec.co.uk

01360 440013 henke@sol.co.uk

01786 235055 fred@rite.be

FORTH VALLEY â&#x20AC;˘ SPRING 2014

MEMBERS' REGISTER Refractionz Ltd

01506 204663 frazer@refractionz.co.uk

64596 1/6 gordon@lochkatrine.com

Rhoddy Stewart Photography

Steeple Media

RJM Sports Ltd

Step Up (Housing, Employability &

01506 828983 rhoddy@rhoddystewartphotography.co.uk

01324 873804 robert@rjmsports.co.uk

Robertson Training Ltd

01786 489301 enquiries@robertsontraining.co.uk

Rooftec Scotland Ltd 01324 614014 info@rooftecscotland.co.uk

Russel & Aitken Financial Planning 0141 204 3272 chris@russelaitkenfp.com

Russel & Aitken LLP

01324 622888 karenmclachlan@russel-aitken.co.uk

Scott Stronach - Track Cyclist 01324 716827 scottstronach@yahoo.co.uk

Scottish Waterways Trust

01324 677809 karen@scottishwaterwaystrust.org.uk

Scotweigh

01324 632805 tom@steeplemedia.co.uk

7969813272 info@stepupsupport.co.uk

Stewart Accounting Services Ltd 01259 721156 mark@stewartaccounting.co.uk

Stirling Credit Union Ltd

SFS (Central Scotland) Ltd 01259 726664 admin@sfscentralscotland.co.uk

Sheena Walker

07588 645702 sheena@sheenawalker.com

Showcase Glass, Art & Craft Ltd 01786 359252 jon@showcaseglass.co.uk

Signs Express (Falkirk) 01324 666966 falkirk@signsexpress.co.uk

Simple Improvement Ltd 07791 758330 mike.bell@si8.co.uk

The Grange Manor Hotel

Xtreme Karting Ltd

The Kidz Stop Limited

Yard (Direct) Ltd

The Letting Co

Your Equipment Solutions Ltd

01324 474836 gm@grangemanor.co.uk

01506 828007 boness@thekidzstop.co.uk

01324 486 888 david@theletting-co.com

The Plan B Partnership 0141 237 3895 lucy@theplanbpartnership.co.uk

The Royal Bank of Scotland 07901 587151 alan.smart@rbs.co.uk

01786 233937 info@stirlingcreditunion.co.uk

The Travel Architect

Stirling Electrical Services Ltd

Thinktastic

01786 813916 info@stirlingelectrical.co.uk

Stirling Highland Hotel 01786 272727 s.bond@pumahotels.co.uk

Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum 01786 471917 museum@smithartgalleryandmuseum. co.uk

07974 567003 fionabibby@travelarchitect.com

0131 202 1667 mike@thinktastic.co.uk

TinyBig Design

01259 928 242 david@tinybigdesign.co.uk

Topstaff Employment Limited

01786 451550 bmcgarrity@topstaffemployment.com

Stirlingshire Vending (Scotland) Ltd T/A SV24-7

Travel Counsellors

Storage UK Ltd

Verifier Ltd

Sykam & Co

Viridis Building Services Ltd

Tailored Lettings Ltd

Vision Financial Planning Ltd

01259 215577 fiona@sv24-7.co.uk

01324 611311 ian@scotweigh.co.uk

01324 812914 storage.uk@btclick.com

07791 718861 stuart@sykamandco.co.uk

01324 884884 enquiries@tailoredlettings.co.uk

Tapside Marketing Ltd 01506 823402 admin@tapside.com

The A9 Partnership Ltd 01506 834 700 victoriaw@a9partnership.co.uk

01324 820666 pauline.mccormick@travelcounsellors. com

0330 999 0112 info@verifier-ltd.co.uk

01324 478245 lee.marshall@viridisbsl.co.uk

01324 559976 scott@visionfinancial.co.uk

Visit Scotland

01292 616417 liz.buchanan@tbt.visitscotland.com

Vizibility Design

01786 469023 sdickson@vizibilitydesign.co.uk

The Caledonian Cheesecake Company

Wealth & Safety (UK) Ltd

The Cloud Accounting Co

Westfield Health

01259 218001 sales@alloasmartspecs.co.uk

The Falkirk & District Post

Wide Eye Marketing

Springfords Chartered Accountants

The Falkirk Wheel

Wildcat Solutions

SJ Rennie Consulting Ltd 01786 824320 info@sjrconsulting.co.uk

Smart Specs Optical Dispensary

0131 440 5000 fpaul@springfords.com

Steamship Sir Walter Scott Ltd

01324 484901 martin@caledoniancheesecake.co.uk

01324 464510 alan@cloudaccountingco.com

01324 716350 info@falkirkanddistrictpost.co.uk

01324 619888 findlay.withers@scottishcanals.co.uk

FORTH VALLEY â&#x20AC;˘ SPRING 2014

01324 832820 geoffg@prismtd.co.uk

01259 725810 amcfarlane@westfieldhealth.com

07890 998685 stacey@wideeyemarketing.co.uk

01786 473232 cat@wildcatsolutions.co.uk

01324 579797 info@xtremekarting.co.uk

07786 702181 ken.mclelland@btinternet.com

01324 467000 david@yourequipmentsolutions.co.uk

YouTrain Ltd

01786 478478 louise.findlay@youtrain.com

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