Perthshire Chamber of Commerce by dtech

INcommerce THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ISSUE 15 • AUTUMN 2012

Fire Safety Legislation – Don’t get your fingers burned

• Exercise for busy executives • Social media spotlight • City status opportunities

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Editor’s Introduction

Contents Chamber News........................ 4-5 Chamber Sponsor Partners.......... 6 Star Awards 2012........................ 7 Members’ News................... 11-15 Special Feature – Exercise More Than Your Mind.......... 16-17 What is Your Magic Number..... 20

Stephen Leckie

embers will have received correspondence through the Chamber from Perth and Kinross Council on the new “The City of Perth – Towards a Development Strategy”. This will shape the part of the consultation period and this is an ideal, and unique, opportunity to contribute to helping shape the future of your area. The importance of putting forward ideas and being involved is critical. Sometimes it can be surprising when feedback and ideas aren’t as forthcoming as you would expect on issues that really are business critical at the end of the day. More than ever, we understand that people are busy fighting to survive in today’s business environment but it is important to remember to become involved and share our ideas and passion when we have the chance to do so. Perth and Kinross Council and the Scottish Government seeks input from Chamber members because they are looking for inspiration and other ways of doing things and although it’s yet something else to fit into the long working day the more input we have, the more chance we have of making a difference. It’s quite common to believe that everyone else is putting across their ideas, and some of them are bound to mirror our own, however, quite often most people are thinking the same and then the whole worth of the project is much less than it could be. Please try, where possible, to grasp these opportunities to make a difference. Talking of business opportunities, we’re all thoroughly looking forward to the Star Awards again this year and with eleven categories there ought to be something for every business. I look forward to celebrating those who have entered and taken the chance to showcase why their business beats the competition and promote their company and all those shortlisted entries are showcased on the night through a short film in front of around 300 of the local business community. Like everything that your Chamber does, there are huge business benefits available and the promotion and publicity surrounding the event can bring huge rewards. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the event on November 23rd for what is also a terrific, fun evening out.

Stephen Leckie Chamber President

Vicki Unite

ne of the main benefits of being part of a Chamber of Commerce is that we cater for micro-businesses right up to multi-nationals. This is extremely important, especially in Perthshire where the majority of the businesses are those classed as “micro”. It’s important that we are able to help make connections between smaller and larger businesses through networking, or through the facilitation of meetings. Sometimes we underestimate the importance of networking. There are lots of different forms of networking, and because some sessions will be more fruitful than others, it’s easy to forget or miss just how important the act of making business contacts – which is what networking is – can be. Again, when you consider the size of the majority of Perthshire’s businesses and take into account the number of sole traders (and those who work from home) or remotely, meeting, communicating and sharing with other business people takes on even more importance. We all know that actually meeting and “clicking” with a person helps us feel more confident about working with them. Creating your own network of trusted contacts can be invaluable. Our networking events take place at different times of the day, and in many different formats (structured, informal etc) so that every size and type of business ought to find many events that suit them, and each person should find a style that suits them best. All events, whether or not billed as “networking” events offer this opportunity and sometimes meeting and mingling is even more pleasant when it is a part of a bigger activity or event. Those who are nervous of the whole “networking” scene sometimes find this more relaxing and enjoyable. If you don’t find what you are ideally looking for, then why not contact us and if we can try something different, we certainly will. We are your Chamber.

Vicki Unite Chief Executive

Latest Issues in Social Media........................ 22-23 Employment Tribunal System.... 26 Green Investment...................... 27 Fire Safety Legislation.......... 28-29 Economic Development....... 30-31 Pull the Plug on Electrical Testing....................... 32 Insight – The Currency of International Trade.................... 33 New Member Profiles........... 34-36 Food & Drink........................ 38-39 Lifestyle.................................... 40 Membership Benefits................. 41 Events....................................... 42

For advertising contact D-Tech on T: 01389 736000 E: sales@incommerce.biz For editorial enquiries contact the Editor, Vicki Unite on T: 01738 450401 E: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk Publisher: D-Tech Distribution: D-Tech Distribution InCommerce is published by D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd. Unit 14, Birch Road, Broadmeadow Industrial Estate G82 2RE. Telephone 01389 736000. Fax 01389 736002. E-mail: info@dtechuk.com. Edited by Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, Algo Business Centre, Glenearn Road, Perth PH2 0NJ Tel: 01738 450401 Fax: 01738 450402 E-mail: info@perthshirechamber.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.

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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 InCommerce Ltd or D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd.

chamber NEWS

Business Mentoring Scotland - Leading Perthshire Forward

Perth Show Presence

Experience the Difference

he challenges of running and growing a business or social enterprise can be relentless; whether you're dealing with staff, getting hold of funding, managing cash flow, finding new markets or getting your products and services to them. A mentor can help you develop confidence in your leadership skills and improve your ability to channel your own and other's efforts to maximum effect. A mentor can work with you on a one to one basis, as part of a group (eight to ten businesses) or as part of a take three group helping you to gain a wealth of knowledge and skills that can take a lifetime to develop. Whatever you choose, you’ll definitely benefit from the support and experience of a successful business person. The Business Mentoring Scotland Programme has been operational through the Chambers of Commerce network since 2003, servicing more than 6000 Scottish businesses during this time.

We enjoyed a fabulous day at this year’s 150th anniversary Perth Show. It was terrific fun and a great opportunity to meet other local businesses and the local community. We couldn’t have done it without support from Neil Forbes, secretary of the Perth Show, Anne Smith of Scotloo/Castlecroft Securities, Highland Spring and Jillian and Stephen Page of Something Special Flowers for our stunning floral displays. A great team effort and well worth it. Thank you!

Whether you are a new or established business that wants to develop and grow, working with a mentor can help accelerate the learning curve in a way that suits you best. With an ever-growing pool of mentors, which currently sits at over 850, there will be a mentor for you. Businesses must have an aim to develop and grow their business. At no cost to you or your business, call Perthshire Chamber of Commerce regarding Business Mentoring Scotland today on 01738 450401 or email info@perthshirechamber.co.uk. For more information and to register visit: www.perthshirechamber.co.uk Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Chambers of Commerce and supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

Member Business Services

Perthshire Chamber will now be managing our own Mentoring Programme as well as that of Dundee and Angus.

Perthshire members can gain access to a number of additional services. Chambers of Commerce has negotiated exclusive services with leading organisations to bring you support services and help save you money. Chamber Legal Expenses and 24/7 Legal Advice Line Safeguard your business against the unexpected costs of professional legal services and get legal cover of up to £670,000 as well as access to a 24/7 helpline. Members enjoy Legal Expenses Insurance to protect them from unexpected legal fees and financial penalties. This essential benefit is part of your membership and includes access to a 24/7 Legal Advice Line. Provided by Composite Legal Expenses your business benefits from over £670,000 worth of cover. Any business fortunate enough not to have been embroiled in a legal dispute can count themselves lucky. No matter how well you plan and manage your business you never know when you are going to face unexpected, expensive legal and professional fees. In addition to the many employment related disputes businesses also find themselves having to defend Inland Revenue investigations and HSE prosecutions. Your business could also find itself involved in legal disputes relating to its property or with a Landlord.

CHAMBER News Your business has access to up to £65,000 worth of professional fees each year to cover...

In addition to the free content the site also has over 250 downloadable documents including:

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Contract of Employment

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Facility to build Employee Handbook

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Reference manual including:

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Redundancy

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Discipline & grievance

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Absence management

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Variations to contract

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TUPE

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Employment Disputes – The cost of defending actions brought by employees including unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. Employment Awards – Covers the employment tribunal compensation award in the event of failure in your employment representation. Prosecution Defence – Cost of defending a prosecution for an offence relating to your business activities including the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

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Tax, VAT, PAYE and NIC Investigations – Cover is provided to pay professional fees resulting from in depth investigations.

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License Protection – Where your business is dependent on holding a statutory license in order to trade, cover is provided for appeal costs where the license is at threat.

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Data Protection Act – Cost of defending civil proceedings bought against your business under the Data Protection Act.

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Property Legal Protection – Enables your business to pursue legal rights arising from negligent acts of others affecting your property.

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Landlord Disputes – Representing your interests in disputes with landlords over the business lease or tenancy agreement.

Plus: •

Jury Service Allowance – Up to £1000 per claim to compensate for the loss of an employee attending court or tribunal.

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24/7 Legal Advice Line – Solicitors and other professionals on hand to provide a telephone based legal advisory service.

And don’t forget these helpful employee benefits as well… •

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Personal injury (£75,000) – Legal Expenses cover is included for all employees and their partners to pursue compensation following a personal injury Business Motoring (£75,000) – Pursuing uninsured losses following a non-fault road traffic accident including excess recovery, car hire charges and credit repair. Consumer Disputes (£1000) – Up to £1000 worth of professional fees following a personal dispute arising from the purchase or sale of faulty goods or services.

Please download the Chamber Legal Expenses policy wording to fully understand all policy terms and conditions or speak to an advisor by contacting the Chamber Legal Advice Line.

The documents should be used in conjunction with the advice line. There is a 'My Account' area where you can store the documents you use, video content explaining key HR processes and a document building facility. Furthermore members can benefit from: Document validation, an online HR health check plus latest news and legislation changes ... and more.

Chamber Merchant Services Process debit and credit card payments with discounted card processing and transaction fees, reduced terminal hire costs and no service fees – negotiated exclusively through First Data Merchant Solutions. However you take cards – face to face, by phone, email or via the internet – there’s a range of options to meet your needs. Benefits and additional services •

British Chambers of Commerce nationally endorsed service

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No joining fee for Chip & PIN

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No Minimum Monthly Charges or Authorisation Fees

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Exclusive rates for Chamber members**

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Quick & simple application process

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Complete Payment Solutions – Chip and PIN,

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Virtual Terminal & E-Commerce

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Expertise in meeting PCI DSS Compliance standards

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ClientLineSM – our online reporting tool*

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Free, no obligation, Merchant health check

Chamber Healthcare Help to reduce sickness absence and improve staff motivation with a choice of two great schemes.

Chamber 24/7 Legal Advice Line

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In the event of a dispute it is essential that you contact the Chamber Legal Advice Line at the earliest opportunity. Delaying notifying the insurers could jeopardise your ability to be covered so if in doubt call.

The Chamber Business Choice Healthcare scheme offers private medical insurance for your employees. Get 10% cashback annually or 50% off your chamber membership fees for 3 years.

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Pay as little as £1.10 per employee per week with the cash plan scheme Chamber Primary Health Plan.

The Advice Line will provide member businesses with telephone based “signposting” advice about any legal issue and where possible prevent issues from escalating in the first place

Chamber Roadside Assistance

To contact the Chamber Legal Advice Line or if you would like to speak to someone about Chamber Legal Expenses please call 0871 423 5239. Calls from a BT Landline cost 10p per minute at all times. Mobiles and other networks may cost more.

Chamber Finance

Chamber HR The Chamber HR service provides businesses with access to professional HR advice and documentation. This service’s website is designed to give employers and HR professionals practical and easy to follow human resource and employment law advice and supporting documentation.

Up to 61% off Chamber Roadside Assistance provided by the AA

In partnership with RBS / NatWest we are able to offer 3 years free business banking for start ups, one year free business banking for those that switch accounts, discounted rates with RBS Invoice Finance, access to a dedicated Chamber Finance support helpline and international trade services. For more information contact the Chamber Finance Hotline on 0800 656 9634. For full information and links go to www.perthshirechamber.co.uk and click on the left hand menu option Business Services.

All visitors to the site have free unlimited access to the reference manual within the employment law and health & safety sections of the site and some documents.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

CHAMBER SPONSOR PARTNERS

We wish to acknowledge the ongoing and valuable support given by our local member Partners. If you are interested in Partnering with us please contact the Chamber office on 01738 450401 or email info@perthshirechamer.co.uk

Platinum Partners BANK OF SCOTLAND Binn Waste Management

Nigel Walker, Senior Manager, BoS Commercial: “Bank of Scotland, as part of Lloyds Banking Group, has further underlined its support for UK businesses, with the launch of a new 2012 Charter, setting out a series of commitments to help small and medium sized businesses grow as the recovery gains momentum.

Managing Director Allan MacGregor: “The family-run businesses of Binn Skips and Binnwaste Management have always been conscious of playing a responsible and supportive role in the community. It’s equally important to support the local business community and a Platinum Partnership allows us to help businesses through the valuable and effective work that the Chamber does.

“These commitments aim to help stimulate demand and boost access to finance for SMEs, provide guidance to help businesses grow successfully and clarify the terms on which Bank of Scotland lend to its customers.

“The sponsorship package also gives us a higher profile within the Chamber which is an effective marketing tool.

“The measures in the new 2012 Charter will benefit all of the Group's business customers, with a turnover up to £15 million.”

“We’re delighted that one of the country’s leading food waste experts Luca Pornaro has recently joined our staff from his previous post as food waste manager with MITE/CORE. This appointment will help establish Binnwaste Management at the forefront of the food waste management sector.”

THE JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE

SQUIRREL SELF STORE Managing Director Stuart Newing-Davis: “The Chamber is a dynamic forum for small and medium sized businesses like Squirrel Self Store and we’re happy to support it through the sponsor partnerships.

“We are pleased to work with the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce to promote the work that we do and after a very busy summer of events are glad to have spread the word about our worldleading research not just to the local community but also far and wide. The James Hutton Institute has close ties with the communities at each of its sites and appreciates the importance of community support so we are delighted to be sponsoring the Commitment to the Community Award.” Phil Taylor, Head of Communications, The James Hutton Institute.

PERTH COLLEGE UHI Centre for Enterprise Manager Sheena Howden:

“The Platinum partnership gives us a broader stage on which to present and the Chamber offers an effective and efficient vehicle to lobby and get your voice heard by the decision makers. “We recently built another 70 units, so to fill them up quickly we are offering all of our smaller units (any unit up to 50 square feet) for only £15 per month. This offer is only open to business partners and Chamber members – so do mention you are a Chamber member on application.”

ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND Vic Bicocchi, Local Director, Commercial Banking, Tayside: “We are great admirers of the work the Chamber does not just in networking but also in training and business skills events. It is really important to offer that in your local area and we want to be part of that. “The Star Awards are also important to us and one of the most enjoyable days was going around visiting the entrants as a sponsor/judge and seeing the wealth of talent out there. We’re happy to support Chamber in its valuable work. “At RBS we have both the appetite and ability to lend - in fact we lend more to SME’s in the UK than any other bank. We provided over 40% of total lending in 2011 to SME’s in the UK which is well ahead of our natural market share.”

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

“We play a key supportive role in helping a number of businesses across a range of sectors to become established and grow, as well as offering our students opportunities to gain hands-on experience within existing business structures. “Our Chamber Platinum Partnership helps to provide us with direction and contacts with industry so that our students and the local business community benefit from the very latest in business thinking.” A brand new high-quality business resource has been developed by The Centre for Enterprise at Perth College UHI www. inspiringenterprise.org Launched during the summer, this free ‘online toolkit’ is a dynamic website with information and guidance on five main business themes with entertaining short videos featuring local entrepreneurs sharing their experiences on topics such as: • • • • •

Business Start-up Effective Marketing Your Team Diversification Social Enterprise

Gold Partners

Silver Partners

STAR AWARDS HEADER 2012 BAR

AWARDS DINNER DIAMOND DIARY DATE

HE stage is set for a spectacular diamond dinner date with Perthshire Chamber of Commerce as tickets go on sale for the 2012 Business Star Awards ceremony.

This year awards will be presented in the following categories:

The annual black tie event will take place at Crieff Hydro Hotel on Friday, November 23, with a record number of local businesses vying for the coveted category titles and overall Business of the Year accolade.

1. Young Business Person of the Year Award Sponsored by Enterprise North East Trust/ Business Gateway

Tickets are now on sale (held again at £65 + VAT) for the glittering awards celebration which this year adopts a “Diamonds Are Forever” theme in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

3. Most Promising New Business Award Sponsored by Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants

Hosted by Radio Tay duo Maureen Young and Gary Robinson, the awards will feature a drinks reception, three course dinner with wine, awards presentations and dancing into the wee small hours, Back by popular demand to keep the event rocking is sensational band Big Vern And The Shootahs. They will be performing throughout the Awards ceremony and at the aftershow party. Eleven individual category titles will be up for grabs highlighted the very best in Perthshire’s business world. And newly crowned Business Stars will each secure a fabulous trophy uniquely handcrafted by Sarah Peterson, leading designer at Caithness Glass, created specifically to match the 2012 theme. Additional support from leading florist Jillian Page and the Chamber’s loyal Partner Sponsors ensure a fabulous contest in the local business calendar’s key event.

2. Apprentice of the Year Award

4. Excellence in Customer Service Award Sponsored by Squirrel Self Store 5. Contribution to Sustainability Award Sponsored by Stagecoach Group 6. Excellence in Marketing Award Sponsored by Binn Waste Management 7. Excellence in Business Innovation Award Sponsored by Perth College UHI 8. Excellence in People Development Award Sponsored by RBS 9. Commitment to the Community Award Sponsored by The James Hutton Institute 10. Tourism & Hospitality Award Sponsored by Bank of Scotland 11. Business Growth through Exporting Award Sponsored by Perth & Kinross Council

Perthshire Chamber Chief Executive Vicki Unite is encouraging businesses to get in party mood.

Star Awards attract. Many businesses have been encouraged to enter the awards after attending the previous year.

“The Awards ceremony really is a great social event,” she said, “and an ideal way for businesses to relax and enjoy themselves.

“There’s always a real buzz at the Star Awards and everyone agrees it’s the perfect event at which to network and entertain – a real case of mixing business with pleasure.”

“Companies often use it as a way to entertain clients or reward staff – and sometimes as an early Christmas staff night out.

Tickets (£65 + VAT) are available by contacting the Chamber office on 01738-450401 or by email to events@perthshirechamber.co.uk

“It’s always good to bring together as many local businesspeople as possible,” she said, “ so that they can applaud the winners and recognise the very high standard of entrant the Business

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

Straight Talking Hard Working Forward Thinking 100% Customer Care Attitude

Skip hire (2yd to 16yd) Roll on roll off hire (20yd to 50yd) Recycling Trade waste Road brush hire Composting Compactor hire Wood processing Plant hire Aggregate Top soil Liquid waste disposal Septic tank emptying Agricultural waste

Every local authority and business need a reliable, committed and efficient waste management solution to link recycling, waste minimisation and the best value for money. Binn Waste meet that requirement in every way. Binn Waste have a strong commitment to our customers old and new. We also put a lot of time, resources and money back into the local community. With over 14 years experience in the waste industry Binn Waste are one of Scotland’s leading and forward thinking waste management companies focusing on recycling and improving the environment around us.

Binn Farm • Glenfarg • Perthshire PH2 9PX Tel: 01577 830833 Fax: 01577 830488 enquiries@binnskips.co.uk • www.binnwaste.com

Pharos Parcels Ltd. There have been a few news articles recently about parcel delivery in the UK.

Our prices to Western Europe are second to none. Starting from £15 for up to 30Kg box. • Get a quote in seconds • Send your parcel in just four clicks • Print up your waybill & attach it to your parcel • Collection from your door, no need to waste time queuing

You can insure your parcel for added peace of mind

Britain leads Europe with our love of shopping online. All over the UK, enterprising individuals and major high street stores are discovering that trading online means their marketplace has suddenly expanded globally they are no longer just trading locally. We are an instant gratification generation, when we buy, we want it next day. Queuing for ages in the local post office is not always the best use of time, cost and resources.

You can track it online so you know when it’s been delivered

Nowadays you can also arrange your parcel collection and delivery online, from your home or workplace door to door. All you need is a computer and printer to print up your label.

You can order multiple parcels at one time

A next day trackable service delivered by a uniformed driver with a reputable company will cost you slightly more than throw it at the front door or leave it in a hedge 2 – 5 day service.

PLUS a friendly voice at the end of a phone if you need one!

There are various options available.

Essentially you get what you pay for. UK or Worldwide, use a company who is knowledgeable and happy to advise you on customs procedures, how to pack your parcel for shipping and on how long your delivery will take.

08456 478479

Fiona McLellan is a Director of Pharos Parcel Ltd in Perth.

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Visit our Web Site at www.millerhendrysolicitors.co.uk Perth 10 Blackfriars Street PH1 5NS Tel: 01738 637311

Crieff 14 Comrie Street, PH7 4AZ Tel: 01764 655151

Dundee 13 Ward Road, DD1 1LU Tel: 01382 200000

MEMBERS’ NEWS

The Famous Grouse Experience – Scotland’s oldest and most visited distillery The Famous Grouse Experience is celebrating 10 years since it opened its doors at Glenturret Distillery, Scotland’s oldest and most visited distillery, and to celebrate the milestone birthday visitors are being given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to win their own cask of whisky worth over £7,000. All those taking a tour of the distillery* before the end of 2012 will be presented with a scratch card, putting them in the running to win the cask along with a host of other exciting prizes. The cask will be filled with The Glenturret Single Malt Whisky and then laid down for 10 years to mature in flavour ready for the lucky winner to take home in 2022.

Scottish Communications Group secures major order from Grampian Police for body-worn CCTV system Scottish Communications Group (SCG), the Perth based CCTV and security systems specialist, has secured a major order from Grampian Police for pioneering body-worn surveillance equipment which it is hoped will provide the platform for additional contracts from other Scottish police forces. The order for 330 ‘Videobadge’ CCTV units will provide Grampian police officers with the ability to provide potentially crucial evidence through clear and accurate recorded digital video. It is the first force in Scotland to equip its officers with the innovative equipment.

The Famous Grouse Experience is also home to the world’s largest bottle of whisky! The brand broke the record earlier this year on August 12th, the brand’s birthday, after filling a 228 litre bottle with Scotland’s favourite whisky. The record breaking bottle is now on permanent display.

The new cameras, which are worn on the upper body, are smaller and lighter than a mobile phone and have so far been utilised as part of a broad range of police work including city centre patrols and other specific operations.

Located in Crieff, The Famous Grouse Experience offers a range of fascinating tours around Glenturret Distillery, which includes its fully interactive 3D show and new Taste Experience designed to tantalise the senses. *over 18s & UK residents only

SCG has previously supplied similar body-worn CCTV systems for parking attendants in Perth and Glasgow who have acclaimed the system for settling parking disputes and for causing a significant decline in verbal abuse from motorists.

The cameras are utilised in an overt manner to ensure that everyone is aware of their presence and Grampian Police has praised the system for its efficient evidence-gathering ability. The cameras have helped bring about earlier guilty pleas – which mean officers are able to spend less time in court and more time working in their communities.

Paul Gibson, managing director of SCG, said: “The body-worn CCTV system is now proving its worth in a number of different arenas and is playing a major role in community safety.”

Perth Racecourse Jumping for Joy After such glorious back to back evening racing at the tail end of July, the Racecourse was delighted to be awarded an additional fixture to make up for the weather-enforced cancellations. The new fixture was Tuesday 21 August and thousands were welcomed through the gates at midday bringing yet another field of top horses and jockeys to Scotland. General Manager, Sam Morshead said: “After great turnouts at our recent fixtures – which have showcased the best in British racing talent and music – and with some good summer weather finally here, we were delighted with yet another good crowd and a great day’s racing.”

Perth Racecourse Team l to r: Tracey Quin, Racecourse Chairman David Whitaker, Moran Reid and Katie Webster.

In amongst those busy few weeks at the racecourse, Tracey Quin was appointed as Sales Manager and is delighted to be a part of the buzz. Tracey has joined the racecourse from Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh where she held the role of Hospitality Sales Manager looking after Scottish Rugby’s top sponsors and guests at their international fixtures. So Tracey has hung up her rugby boots and traded in rugby players for horses – still contemplating who has the best legs! On a more serious note, Tracey has taken on the role to boost corporate sales in sponsorship, hospitality and non-race day business, - the latter is seriously taking off at the racecourse. It is looking beyond racing and establishing the racecourse as the ideal venue for any event year round.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

MEMBERS’ NEWS

BlueSky Experiences are now distributors and Licensed Practitioners of Insights With BlueSky Experiences’ wealth of knowledge in the experiential learning field they are very excited about the collaboration with Insights adding value to their team and leadership programs. They can now provide in-depth personal effectiveness programs, linking the learnings of each individual’s behavioural styles to team effectiveness using our team working activities such as Teamscapes to demonstrate the behaviours alongside the Insights Discovery Profile. Participants will learn through a combination of theory and experiential activity how to adapt their commination strategies to work more effectively as a team leader or team member. Benefits and results of Insights and experiential activity programs are: New faces Alan Campbell (right) and Garth Davison

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Helping teams perform at the highest level

New Faces at Graham + Sibbald

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High team morale & confidence

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Improve communication styles, within teams, between departments and with Stakeholders create better personal and professional relationships

•

Increase staff retention

Graham + Sibbald is a firm always looking forward so it is very encouraging to have some new faces in Perth. Garth Davison joined the Perthshire branch from Edinburgh and deals with Commercial Agency across Perthshire. He is completing the final stages of his training and is looking to sit his final professional exams later this year. Alan Campbell became part of the team in 2012 joining a busy residential department specialising in Home Reports. Alan grew up in Perth and is delighted to be living and working at “home”. Surveying is not his only passion and he is looking forward to his Saturday job a bit more this year as a Montrose player he is gearing up for a season against Rangers. Alan is an RICS registered valuer, (as are all G+S surveyors). His background is in commercial property and his wealth of experience is ideal for a multidiscipline office helping ensure high standards of customer service are maintained. Market conditions remain challenging and restrictions on finance particularly continue to hamper possible transactions. The Perthshire market does have different influences from other markets and whilst it has performed better than most it is not immune. Discounting is common in a buyers’ market but sellers should bear in mind that once they have sold, it puts them in a very strong purchasing position.

The Insights Personal Effectiveness Programme provides an introduction to the Insights Discovery learning system and the Insights Discovery Personal Profile. The approach is fun and interactive, and gives participants a language and framework for understanding themselves and others better which they can put into practice immediately. Using each participant’s Insights Discovery Personal Profile, the programme enables individuals to understand their own personality better, to identify other types of personalities and adapt to different communication needs. The use of four colour energies – Fiery Red, Sunshine Yellow, Earth Green and Cool Blue creates a memorable common language and framework on which participants can base their interactions in the future. The Insights Personal Effectiveness Programme is tailored to customer requirements, and can range from a 90 minute executive briefing to modular sessions over a period of weeks and months.

George Dale and Graeme Smith, Henderson Loggie

Henderson Loggie wins top award Henderson Loggie, Chartered Accountants have won the award of ‘Insolvency Team of the Year’ at the Scottish Accountancy Awards 2012. In the first year of this award, it was given to the team “which has successfully assisted companies in distress and produced the best possible outcomes given the circumstances”. Henderson Loggie’s joint Head of Insolvency George Dale said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. We pride ourselves on our pragmatic and robust approach to achieving the best possible outcomes and we are delighted to have been independently recognised in this way. We have been involved in a number of high profile appointments and this award is testimony to the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the team.” Reflecting on the growth in business in recent years, the team invested significantly in staff training and development which led to two members of staff passing the Joint Insolvency Examination Board exams.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

MEMBERS’ NEWS

The Wee Pie Company celebrates as Great Taste 2012 is announced The Wee Pie Company is delighted to announce that their Venison Wallace pie will now be proudly displaying a coveted Great Taste 2012 logo after being judged by a panel of 350 of the nation’s most discerning food experts over 45 days. To achieve Gold in Great Taste is a significant achievement for any food or drink producer. The scheme, run by the Guild of Fine Food, has been described as the epicurean equivalent of the Booker Prize and in 2012 a total of 8,807 different food and drink products were entered. Judges this year included Masterchef winner and restaurateur Mat Follas, restaurant critic and Masterchef judge Charles Campion, food writers Lucas Hollweg and Xanthe Clay and over 300 food buyers from leading food halls, delicatessens and farm shops, including Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason. The Wee Pie Company is managed and run by Rose Martin who is passionate about providing quality food to the customer by using locally sourced natural ingredients and traditional and original recipes which provide a fuller flavoured, tastier and healthier eating experience. The Wee Pie Company originated after Rose and her husband spent three years running a private island estate in the North of Scotland, managing all aspects of the food supply from sourcing seeds, growing and picking, to the food production and cooking. Judges were so impressed with Rose’s Venison Wallace pie that they personally called her to tell her that she had achieved a Gold on her very first attempt, which is very unusual but even more so because of the relatively short time that she has been trading.

Trio of Awards for Cameron Group Perth The Cameron Group in Perth - which comprises of Cameron Motors (Volkswagen), Perth Audi and Strathmore Volvo - were all successful winners of their respective franchise challenges in 2011 covering all aspects of the business from volume achievement through to customer perception and customer experience. This is the first time all three companies have been on the winners’ podium at the same time and thanks go from David Anderson, Group Managing Director to all his staff. Perth Audi under the leadership of George Malcolm, brand director, took the winning laurels for the second year in succession by winning outright the UK Audi Dealer of the Year challenge.

THE BATHROOM COMPANY WINS GOLD AT UK BATHROOM AWARD FOR SECOND YEAR! The Bathroom Company scooped First Prize, as winner of this year’s UK-wide KBB Review Awards Bathroom Retailer of the year - for the second year running. The Bathroom Company, based in Perth, was a finalist in three categories at this year’s awards. Lawrence Haddow and Fiona Lowry impressed the judges with their well thought out marketing plan and the company’s social media engagement with its customers. Lawrence Haddow, Managing Director for The Bathroom Company, says: “We were delighted with our success at the KBB Review Awards. We are the only bathroom company ever to win this award two years in succession, making it even more special. We put a lot of energy into marketing and service and these, coupled with repeat business, have been a great success. “We are currently refurbishing our Showroom to give our clients even greater choice. We know that it’s people that matter. Our showroom and office team often get most of the credit, however, our 15 strong installation team are amongst the best in the country and really deliver great service.” Fiona Lowry, Director of The Bathroom Company, says: “It is great to be recognised in such a prestigious way within our industry. After our double wins in 2011, we have had increased enquiries making a significant improvement to our turnover.” This award is the latest in a clutch of awards for the business, which include Perthshire Marketing Campaign and Business of the Year. Last year The Bathroom Company also scooped double, winning both Showroom and Retailer Awards.

The Volvo dealership headed by brand director Norman Leishman won the top Volvo dealer in Scotland award and this comes on top of the Automotive Management award for Best Dealership presented earlier last year. Cameron Motors the Volkswagen franchise headed up by Phillip Stewart, brand director, won best VW retailer in Scotland for 2011. The Group, owned by Chairman Douglas Cameron, has represented the Volvo franchise for 54 years, the VW franchise for 59 years and the Audi franchise for 36 years and employ a total staff of 145.

Lawrence Haddow and Fiona Lowry, The Bathroom Company

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

MEMBERS’ NEWS The Team of Staff at Graham

Sidey’s 80 years of growth praised by Finance Secretary As Sidey celebrates its 80th year of successful trading, the Perth based window and door manufacturer was given further reason to celebrate after receiving praise from Finance Secretary, John Swinney, for embarking on a programme of sustainable and controlled growth despite current challenges in the wider economy.

Tayside Contract for Graham Environmental Services Graham Environmental Services Ltd from Blairgowrie has recently been awarded the Tayside Procurement Consortium Pest Control Contract for the next four years. This contract includes carrying out all preventative and reactive work for the control of pests such as rats, mice, wasps, ants, bed bugs, rabbits, moles and pigeons for Perth & Kinross Council, Angus Council, NHS Tayside and Tayside Contracts covering well over 10,000 premises in the Tayside area, with all emergency working being carried out within two hours. Managing Director Ross Graham is delighted to have secured this large contract and said it safeguards jobs within the company and gives them the foundation to continue to grow their business. Graham Environmental Services Ltd started their family business in 1993 and has had year on year growth to develop into Scotland’s largest pest control company now employing over 40 staff from their head office in Blairgowrie. Other essential services have been added to their range over the last few years and this includes Fire Extinguisher Servicing, Washroom Services, Kitchen Deep Cleaning, Grease Trap Emptying and P.A.T. Testing.

World Class Accreditation for Rowan Consultancy Rowan Consultancy is one of only three organisations in the North of Scotland to achieve a world class training accreditation issued by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM). This latest stamp of approval from the largest awarding body for leadership and management qualifications in the UK sets them apart from other training providers and places them amongst an elite global network of only 2,000 accredited centres worldwide. Rowan Consultancy is one of Scotland’s leading personal and organisational development providers. Rowan has just announced a new range of ILM training courses aimed at new or existing managers including the introductory Moving into Management and the 4 day ILM Certificate in Workplace Coaching.

During his visit, Mr Swinney met with a number of Sidey’s 169 strong workforce. Sidey’s investment in its staff, service and product innovations is a major contributing factor to the strong market position that the company hold today. Sidey’s Joint Managing Director-Commercial Sales, Steve Hardy explains – “We know how challenging things are at the moment for businesses such as ours, however I strongly believe that the key to sustainable growth and longevity is investing in our people and our products. “It has been a pleasure having Mr Swinney visit our facilities today, especially as he kindly opened our factory back in 2004. It has provided an opportunity for him to witness first-hand the growth that the company has achieved in such a short space of time”. Finance Secretary John Swinney said: “Sidey is a great example of a successful Scottish manufacturer that is realising its growth plans with the support of Scottish Enterprise. “Last year Sidey announced plans to expand its workforce by creating 50 new jobs and during my visit I met the latest recruits and longest serving employees of the Perth based firm. I saw first-hand how the company is developing and producing innovative new products that will give them a competitive edge and help realise their ambitions to enter new markets”.

Rachel Weiss, Head of Training at Rowan, stressed the positive effect these courses can have on workplaces: “We went through a rigorous approval process to achieve our ILM status and we are looking forward to welcoming our first ILM students in November. We would strongly encourage anyone in a position of leadership or management to consider taking an ILM qualification. By investing in management development, organisations can ensure that their leaders are confident in their abilities and able to lead employees through the challenging times ahead. Nurturing effective leaders through management development is the single most cost-effective investment.”

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

John Swinney met with a number of Sidey’s 169 strong workforce during his recent visit.

MEMBERS’ NEWS

Summer of science for James Hutton Institute

Ryder Cup rentals Property specialists Alan Keddie and Katie Hall of Perth Premier Properties are delighted to announce the launch of their new business initiative www.rydercup2014rentals.com.

James Hutton gives Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, the Institute’s Glen Ample raspberries during the Royal Highland Show.

Everyone knows the James Hutton Institute on the outskirts of Dundee is a global powerhouse of science and this summer many people had the opportunity to find out exactly what goes on there close-up. Hundreds of visitors attended Open Days at Invergowrie in June to hear and see how the Institute is leading world research into landuse, crop genetics, forensic soil science and agricultural pests and diseases. BBC’s weatherman Stav Danaos was among the visitors to open the brand new automatic weather station. The Institute was also further afield with a prominent presence at the Royal Highland. At the show’s popular Cookery Theatre Institute scientists also worked alongside top chefs, describing the science behind food. Invergowrie also hosted tours for scientists from all over the world attending various conferences in Scotland. Delegates from the World Potato Congress visited the Commonwealth Potato Collection; the International Blackcurrant Association held its biggest ever conference in Dundee and 300 leading scientists attended a conference on plant roots, also in the city. There were specialist field events for farmers and industry. Cereals in Practice was held on a working farm in Perthshire; Fruit for the Future, featured the latest research on pest and disease control and in August potato growers and specialists attended Potatoes in Practice. It is all important work and the Institute's staff enjoyed the interaction with the general public. But younger children who attended the open day the James Hutton Institute will undoubtedly be remembered as the place where Gnasher the dog was kidnapped and everyone had to help Dennis the Menace follow a forensic trail to rescue his pet. Who said scientists didn’t have a sense of humour?

Huge crowds from around the globe will be drawn to Perthshire in the autumn of 2014 when The Ryder Cup, the world’s biggest golf match, is staged right here on our doorstep at Gleneagles. With availability for commercial accommodation being limited, Alan and Katie have put together a management package for local homeowners who want to generate income from renting out their properties during the event. The property duo currently run a successful letting business, Perth Premier Properties, and have used their expertise to offer homeowners a service which will cover all aspects of the property rental . “We will deal with everything from marketing, enquiry and booking management, right through to checking-in guests and being on-call during their stay,” explains Alan. “We have recently launched the website which is heavily optimised to target visitors looking for accommodation for the Ryder Cup and it is already appearing high in search results.” Although the tournament lasts only a few days, many visitors will want to extend their stay to experience other parts of the area, and indeed Scotland, and some will bring with them nongolfing family and friends. Katie explains: “A private home offers visitors a flexible alternative to hotels and other types of standard tourist accommodation. We have stylish properties in interesting locations which offer space, convenience and flexibility. We can also offer accommodation near to the event and arrange additional services from transport to and from the event to in-house chefs.”

Go4SET from The Engineering Development Trust My Pinkie Promise is delighted to once again be working with the EDT to run their Go4SET projects in Perthshire, Dundee, Angus and Fife. Bringing together local organisations and schools, the 10 week environmentally themed project is an inspiring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) experience for 12 – 14 year old students, giving companies the opportunity to develop partnerships in the community, promote future STEM careers and change perceptions. The programme is looking for any organisation, private or public, of any size, which would like to get involved. The students work with an individual from the company, applying team working, communication, planning and presentation skills to the project, demonstrating creativity and innovation. Nearly two thirds of students are more likely to pursue science and engineering subjects at school as a result of their Go4SET experience. Running in Dundee in Autumn 2012 and Fife in Spring 2013, each project hub will work on ‘Energy and Your School’ - looking at the school’s energy use, making practical recommendations for improvements. “Go4SET provides the opportunity to investigate real industrial issues and to develop innovative solutions. These skills are important to a company and to the energy sector as a whole” - Go4SET lead sponsor. If you feel you could support a team over the project, and would like to engage with your local schools, raise your profile, recruit from the local area and strengthen the community, please get in touch with Alison Henderson on 01382 217407, or email alison@mypinkiepromise.co.uk.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

EXERCISE MORE THAN YOUR

MIND

ith those amazing and inspiring images of London 2012 still firmly embedded in our minds, it feels like the Olympics this time round has inspired more than the younger generation. However, not everyone knows where to begin and so Live Active Leisure, Perth and Kinross’s largest leisure provider, has put together some information on living active for you and your employees. Why promote physical activity at work? Staff ill health has cost implications for businesses through loss of production, early retirement, staff turnover and absenteeism. The two most common reasons for employees to be off work is back pain and work related stress/depression and research shows that living a more active life can help alleviate both of these conditions. Physical activity has been shown to have an anxietyreducing effect and single sessions of moderate intensity exercise have been shown to reduce short term reactions to stress. Evidence also suggests that physical activity can benefit your organisation because active workforces tend to: • • • • • • •

report less illness and recover more quickly from the illnesses they do get experience less work absence* experience lower staff turnover be more productive have fewer industrial injuries report higher levels of satisfaction with their work create a positive corporate image.

* According to the Physical Activity Task Force, 2003, physically active employees take 27% fewer days of sick leave. This equates to over two days' improved attendance and a savings of £135 per employee. (Source: Healthy Working Lives)

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

What can you as an employer do to promote physical activity? Employers can promote and encourage increased levels of activity in a number of ways. Suggestions on how to encourage employees to be more physically active include:•

•

Encouraging employees to walk, cycle or jog part of or all of the journey into work. This can be encouraged in a number of ways, such as by offering secure cycle parking, developing a travel plan and providing information on, and actively promoting, local walking and cycle routes. Allowing staff to work flexible hours that can accommodate physical activity, such as longer lunch breaks.

Why should I live an active life? The answer to this question is simple: people who lead an active life are less likely to get ill and more likely to live longer. Exercise not only makes you physically fitter, it also improves your mental health and general sense of wellbeing. Why would you not sign up to that? What will it help with? Keeping physically active can help prevent major illnesses. Some of the health benefits of exercise are described below. Exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke as well as reducing high blood pressure and your cholesterol level. You’re more likely to have lower back pain if you don't do any exercise and if you do have lower back pain, exercise can help to reduce it as well as reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. You’re less likely to develop certain cancers if you’re physically active. Exercise protects against colon cancer and against breast cancer in women who have been through the menopause. Doing physical activity can help to manage and prevent diabetes. Over 2 million people in the UK have diabetes.

SPECIAL FEATURE Keeping active can help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Exercise is also good for you if you already have diabetes – regular physical activity can help control your blood sugar levels and prevent longterm complications. Exercise can both help prevent and treat mental illness. Some studies suggest that regular physical activity is as effective for treating depression as talking treatments or medicines, with fewer side-effects than medicines. And finally, taking exercise can help you to manage your weight. Physical activity burns up calories and so helps to create a healthy energy balance. How much exercise should I do? So, how much is enough? Many people believe that only vigorous exercise or playing sport counts as physical activity. However, you can get considerable health benefits from regular activity without needing special equipment or sporting ability – you don’t even have to get very hot and sweaty. You can perform exercise at different intensities. Moderate means your breathing is faster, your heart rate is increased and you feel warmer. At this level of activity, your heart and lungs are being stimulated and this goes towards making you fitter. Vigorous intensity activity means that your breathing will be much stronger and your heart rate will increase rapidly. You will find it difficult to hold a conversation.

Where do I start? Getting active is easier than you may think. You can include everyday activities or structured exercise or sport, or a combination of these. Adapt your weekly routine to fit in with your own personal circumstances. At work you could use the stairs, help with manual tasks, walk over to speak to colleagues instead of sending an email or phoning. Organising a lunchtime exercise or walking group can be a great way to get out and catch up too. In your free time you can play a sport, go to the gym, a fun class or go swimming. Zumba is great fun if you enjoy dancing, yoga, pilates and core stability help with strength and flexibility and Body Combat is really good for releasing stress! Walk instead of drive for short journeys, or get off the bus one or two stops earlier than usual and at the weekend, take longer walks, go for a bike ride or do some DIY or gardening. Once you have started exercising, you will need to slowly increase the amount and intensity of activity that you do. This will help to increase your fitness levels. Struggling to stay motivated? Some tips for staying motivated are listening to music, exercising with your friends, varying your exercise and setting goals and rewarding yourself with something you enjoy when you achieve them. Remember to try and include at least two weekly activities to build up muscle strength, such as exercising with weights. Where does nutrition fit in? Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health, and can help you feel your best. It can be simple, too. Just follow these seven tips to get started.

You should aim to do some physical activity every day. The recommended healthy level of physical activity is 150 minutes (two and a half hours) of moderate exercise over a week in bouts of 10 minutes or more. You can do this by carrying out 30 minutes on at least five days each week. Alternatively, you can do 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity. It’s important that you include at least two weekly activities to build up muscle strength, such as exercising with weights. Try to spend as little time as possible being inactive.

1.Base your meals on starchy foods Starchy foods include potatoes, cereals, pasta, rice and bread. Choose wholegrain varieties when you can: they contain more fibre, and can make you feel full for longer. Starchy foods should make up around one third of the foods you eat. 2.Eat lots of fruit and veg It’s recommended that we eat at least five portions of different types of fruit and veg a day. It’s easier than it sounds. 3.Eat more fish Fish is a good source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. Aim for at least two portions a week, including at least one portion of oily fish.

4.Cut down on saturated fat and sugar We all need some fat in our diet. But it’s important to pay attention to the amount and type of fat we’re eating. Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease. Most people in the UK eat and drink too much sugar. Sugary foods and drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are often high in calories, and could contribute to weight gain. 5.Eat less salt Even if you don’t add salt to your food, you may still be eating too much. About three-quarters of the salt we eat is already in the food we buy, such as breakfast cereals, soups, breads and sauces. More than 1.5g of salt per 100g means the food is high in salt.

6.Don't get thirsty We need to drink about 1.2 litres of fluid every day to stop us getting dehydrated. This is in addition to the fluid we get from the food we eat. All non-alcoholic drinks count, but water, milk and fruit juices are the most healthy. 7.Don’t skip breakfast Some people skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. In fact, research shows that eating breakfast can help people control their weight. (Source: http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/ Goodfood/Pages/Goodfoodhome.aspx) Want to know more? Here are some websites which will give you more information: www.nhs.uk – nutritional and health information www.activescotland.org.uk – where, when and how to be physically active www.liveactive.co.uk – largest local leisure provider with information on what you can do in your area.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

TRAINING & RECRUITMENT SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

SERVICES FOR EMPLOYERS

TRAINING FOR WORK

For more information go to

Training can be tailored to exactly meet your recruitment needs, you can be sure of acquiring a highly motivated candidate who is ready, willing and able to step straight into the role.

As Scotland’s leading skills body, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is equipped to provide you with skills, training and funding advice to help you build a strong and competitive workforce through learning and development.

www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk

MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS

SDS can arrange for a training provider to find a suitable candidate for you, or train an existing employee as a Modern Apprenticeship. In either case, you could be eligible for support to help with their training costs. By taking on a Modern Apprentice, you are creating a position where the employee is paid by the employer. SDS contributes to the cost of training and will help with the paperwork, so you can get under way with the minimum of disruption to your day-to-day business. You’ll be giving someone the chance to build themselves a better future and supporting a key input to Scotland’s economic growth. It just takes one call to 0800 783 6000 to speak to someone about Modern Apprenticeships. An advisor will be able to discuss in more detail how it would best suit your business to get involved in the programme.

The Training for Work initiative provides vocational skills training to anyone over the age of 18 who has been continuously unemployed for 13 weeks (although some can enter the programme immediately) and need to improve their skills to find work.

Call our Employer Helpline on 0800 783 6000 to find out more about Get Ready for Work and the Training for Work programme.

EMPLOYER RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE

In support of the 2014 Commonwealth Games there are a limited number of Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) payments available to employers who want to recruit Modern Apprentices. To build on these opportunities, the first of two programmes of activity from the Scottish Government Commonwealth Games Skills Legacy Fund is now underway. Over the next three years, SDS will deliver a £1,500 incentive for 16 to19 year olds undertaking a sports or other cultural events-related Modern Apprenticeship framework anywhere in Scotland. Eligible MA frameworks that will attract a payment of £1,500 staged over two payments: •

Active, Leisure, Learning and Well being (Level 3)

•

Hospitality (Level 3)

The Get Ready for Work programme is open to young people aged 16 to 19 who need a little help in preparing to enter the world of work.

•

Customer Service (Level 3)

•

Retail (Level 3)

•

Horticulture (Level 3)

A Get Ready for Work learning provider and SDS personal adviser will work with each participant for up to six months to help improve their skills, fill any gaps and boost their employability. They are then given a placement to put what they have learnt into practice.

•

Creative (Level 3)

•

Facilities Management (Level 2)

•

These will be delivered by SDS contracted national training programme providers who are delivering the above frameworks.

GET READY FOR WORK

The learning provider will discuss your needs closely with you before sourcing a suitable participant. Following the free trial period, you can then opt to employ the trainee permanently.

Enquiries can be made to ERI@sds.co.uk

Case Study: CONSTRUCTION FIRM BUILDS STRONGER FUTURE

EMPLOYER RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE FOR TARGETED YOUNG PEOPLE

SDS are also seeking the support of employers who would consider offering disadvantaged young people opportunities for sustainable employment in their businesses. We want to: •

Encourage employers to assist the transition of young people who have a background as a care leaver, ex-young offender or young carer into sustainable employment

•

Support these targeted young people with the transition to employment

•

Contribute to the positive destinations of these young people

•

Payments of £1,500 are available providing the young person sustains the employment

•

To find out more please send your company contact details, plus address, to ERI@sds.co.uk and we will be in touch.

FLEXIBLE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES •

Flexible Training Opportunities gives Scottish businesses with up to 100 employees the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs.

Types and levels of training that are eligible for support: •

Qualifications including individual units

•

Masterclasses

•

Learning based on National Occupational Standards

•

Industry recognised qualifications

•

Supervisory and management training

•

Workshops

•

Taster sessions

Donald Wylie, director at WRC Construction in Kirkwall, says applying for Flexible Training Opportunities funding from Skills Development Scotland has made a big difference to his business. “I had absolutely no problem applying for the funding, which meant a £750 saving for our small, six-man company. The training puts us in a much stronger position for the future, allowing us to compete for contracts that we weren’t able to before.” The company is now the only one in Orkney able to operate spray rendering equipment and has also received training in the operation of 360 degree excavation diggers, which will help it compete for government funded projects. Donald himself was trained in spray rendering alongside WRC colleague, Calvin Wilson, and they are both now putting their new skills into action building 12 new houses at St. Mary’s Holm near the village of St. Mary’s on Orkney. Roderick Paterson, meanwhile, undertook the excavation digger training with Orkney Construction Training Group. Construction companies the length and breadth of Scotland have been tapping into the Flexible Training Opportunities Fund, which is operated by Skills Development Scotland with support from the European Social Fund to help small and medium sized companies become more resilient and successful.

How to apply Download the Flexible Training Opportunities Application Form from our website. Included in this document are help notes for completing the form and a rules and guidance section. Once you’ve completed the application form send it to FlexibleTrainingOpportunities@sds.co.uk.

Funding is available for up to 10 employees per business for companies with up to 150 employees, including sole traders. 50 per cent of training costs can be met up to a maximum of £5,000 (limited to £500 per session). For example, if an episode of training costs £1200 excluding VAT, we will refund £500. If it costs £300 excluding VAT, we will refund £150.

If you need assistance please call our free helpline on 0800 783 6000.

INDIVIDUAL LEARNING ACCOUNTS

SDS Individual Learning Account offer funding to individuals to help with the cost of learning and training.

SERVICES FOR EMPLOYERS FROM JOB CENTRE PLUS Jobcentre Plus aims to provide a high quality, modern and free service to employers, working to develop recruitment solutions and help businesses across all sectors make the most of the support available to attract and retain candidates. Jobcentre Plus helps employers gain maximum exposure of a vacancy to job seekers by displaying details in various ways including our touch screen Jobpoints, via the website and using the European Employment services database. As soon as Jobcentre Plus has details of recruitment requirements, an Employer Advisor will be available to offer support so that vacancies are filled within the required timescale.

A range of programmes and services can support employers in recruiting the right people – whether it is one vacancy or a large scale recruitment. They can assist in ensuring employers recruit from the widest pool promoting equality and diversity within the workforce, helping in engaging with local communities and raising awareness of the new initiatives available. There are a range of initiatives designed to support job seekers into employments. These include Work Trials which allow applicants to show employers what they can do and give employers time to assess their suitability for their vacancies.

Work experience placements with employers are also available. These involve a 2-8 week work placement primarily for 18-24 year olds giving them the chance to develop skills whilst remaining on benefit. Sector-based work academies are designed to meet employers’ immediate and future recruitment needs by offering a flexible programme including training and work placement. For further details, please contact Judith Alexander, Employer and Partnership Manager (Perthshire Jobcentre Plus) Telephone: 07768 648731, e-mail: Judith.Alexander@ jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk

Business support

What is your magic number? “Begin with the end in mind” is not only a chapter from “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, it should also be the starting point in the construction of your financial plan. Having a clear understanding of your goals and objectives and the life you want to live is essential as this allows you to calculate your “number”. Your “number” is the amount of capital you need to be financially independent. Most people have no idea what their “number” is. Do you? Good financial planning is about ensuring that you never run out of money, whatever happens. Using factual information and reasonable assumptions to create a lifetime cashflow can give you the comfort of knowing that you will never run out of money. It can also help you to test a range of “what if” scenarios such as selling property, retiring earlier or gifting money or assets to your family.

Something Special Flowers

Delivering Excellence Throughout Scotland

RHS Chelsea Medal Winners

❧ Birthday & Anniversary Gifts ❧ Hotel & Business Contracts ❧ Events ❧ Weddings ❧ Funerals Stephen & Jillian Page 14 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie

Tel: 01250 873237

www.somethingspecialflowers.co.uk

A financial plan incorporating a lifetime cashflow is like a Financial Satnav. It provides a road map of where you are now, where you want to get to and how to get there in the most efficient manner. It also allows you to consider any obstacles that may get in the way and shows you how these could impact on your journey time. Provided by Gordon Wilson, Managing Director of Carbon Financial Partners Limited, Perth. Email: Gordon.Wilson@carbonfinancial.co.uk Tel: 01738 443111 Web: www.carbonfinancial.co.uk

The

Kenmore Hotel…

the perfect corporate venue Gordon Wilson, Managing Director, Carbon Financial Partners Limited

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

Day delegate & 24 hour delegate rates available. Whether you are looking to host a large conference or a small business meeting, we offer the ideal setting to get the best from your team. Award winning cuisine, cosy log fires, wide selection of fine malts, large wine cellar, comfortable ensuite bedrooms. Friendly atmosphere, true highland hospitality and a warm welcome awaits you at Scotland’s Oldest Inn.

Kenmore Hotel, The Square, Kenmore, Perthshire PH15 2NU Tel: 01887 830 205 • Fax: 01887 830 262 • www.kenmorehotel.com

Strang & McLagan

Funeral Directors & Memorial Consultants Main Office and Funeral Home

Newlands House, Main Street Bridgend, Perth Also at 20 Atholl Street, Perth 36 Priory Place, Craigie, Perth 62 High Street, Crieff

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Encouraging Inward Investment

24 Hour / 7 Day Service Private Service Chapel and Rest Rooms Care, consideration and expertise gained over more than a century

Perth & Kinross Council is about to launch a campaign to encourage businesses to move to the area.

Memorial Consultants Member of National Association of Funeral Directors

The Inward Investment project aims to raise awareness of the business premises and locations available in Perth and Kinross amongst current and potential business owners. It also aims to improve perceptions of Perth and Kinross as a place to work and do business. The campaign takes the form of an interactive e-booklet, online advertising and signage at available business premises. This will be supported by direct communication with businesses through the Council’s existing channels and media, web and social media PR. The booklet includes case studies of local businesses whose testimonials really show what a perfect location Perth and Kinross can be. All are complimentary about the growth opportunities and accessibility, as well as praising the area as a great place to live. Businesses relocating or setting up in Perth and Kinross will provide jobs and boost the local economy. With the granting of City Status there is an opportunity to capitalise on positive publicity and make the most of the area’s central location. However, suitable business premises need to be clearly marketed. The Inward Investment campaign will both improve the marketing of available locations and raise awareness of the wider benefits of setting up business in the area – such as the transport links and excellent quality of life. Provided by Councillor John Kellas, Convenor of the Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee, Perth and Kinross Council. Email: JKellas@pkc. gov.uk Tel: 01738 475020 Web: http:// www.pkc.gov.uk Councillor

G E T N OT I C E D

John Kellas

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

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Latest Issues in Social Media By Alan Matthew, Commercial Partner with Miller Hendry

Keeping up with social media Under the noise of an ever rising tide of social media, many of the boundaries are becoming blurred between business and private usage, causing problems in the workplace for employer and employee. Can employers use Facebook to obtain information about employees? In America some employers are requiring access to employees’ Facebook pages. Legislation is being introduced in some US States to prevent this. What happens in America is likely to be repeated in the UK so it is worth employers forming a policy now about their approach to private social media accounts to make sure that any request for access is “necessary and proportionate”. And for employees, don’t hand over access to your private social media accounts without receiving a written explanation of why it’s being requested, and how it will be used. Who owns social media information? Social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are becoming important marketing tools for businesses, but as with any new development, this produces new challenges and questions. Who owns the social media? Once again, we have to look to America to guess what will happen next over here. In one case, a former partner in a night club business left and set up his own competing night club. He took with him the log-in details for the original club’s MySpace page, which had over 10,000 friends. In a similar case, an employee who had set up a Twitter account to boost traffic to the employer’s website left the company, taking with him the Twitter account’s log-in details. He renamed the account, and kept the Twitter following. In both of these cases, the US Courts have held that social media accounts, their log-in details and their ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ are capable of being trade secrets that are entitled to be protected. Companies should not leave one person in charge of online social media accounts and should make sure they set online access and passwords at company level and change them regularly. Employee contracts should spell out who owns the accounts and the log-in credentials. Can employers control what employees say on social media? This depends: firstly, on the type of business and whether the business is referred to. An employee of a waste disposal company probably has more freedom to tweet than an employee of a firm of solicitors; Secondly, the effect, or potential effect on the employer’s business; Thirdly, the readership. If the tweet only reaches eight people, the potential damage to the employer business is less than if it reaches eight million people; And finally, the seniority of the employee. Pictures of a drunken evening by employees will cause more harm to the employer if they are posted by the managing director than if they are posted by the office cleaner.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

SPECIAL HEADER FOCUS BAR Outside work:

So what next?

There are grounds for employers taking disciplinary action over ‘inappropriate’ use of social media.

For employers, the best strategy is an overall social media policy that’s regularly updated, rather than a piecemeal approach which may be hard to enforce. But it needs to be a set of rules that is sensible and reasonable, as oppressive rules are unlikely to be enforceable and will only serve to alienate staff.

A recent example is the case of Swansea University student Liam Stacey, who was sentenced to 56 days in jail and suspended from University after admitting inciting racial hatred over remarks made on Twitter about the Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed during a cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur. Criticising the company: Employees are required to act in the best interests of the company and not to undermine it - just as an employee should be able to take it for granted that their employer will not try to undermine and diminish their abilities. Public criticism of an employer on social media strikes at the root of this relationship, but even so, an employer needs to respond to criticism reasonably.

What is important is to set out the policy clearly so that all employees know what the boundaries are and what is unacceptable. For example, unless it is clearly spelt out that employees must not, in any circumstances, post offensive remarks about another employee on social media sites, they may feel that they can post what they like outside office hours and that what they do in their own home is no concern of the boss.

There are grounds for employers taking disciplinary action over ‘inappropriate’ use of social media.

A recent incident where airline cabin staff wrote disparaging comments about passengers and the airline’s safety procedures was judged to be highly damaging to the employer and the guilty staff were dismissed. Bullying and harassment : An employer has a duty of care to protect employees from inappropriate or offensive conduct, bullying or harassment from other employees. It means that employers have to show they will not tolerate employees posting remarks of these kinds.

Any policy also needs to be aligned with employment contracts, which should spell out that passwords and other login details are the property of the employer; and should also tackle attitudes to business network contacts made by virtue of the employee’s job with the employer. It all needs to be backed up with practical attitudes to enforcement. So steps should be taken to ensure that the company has control over all the social media logins and passwords to ensure that a former employee will have no access after they have left – which is particularly important if there is any illfeeling surrounding the employee’s departure.

Confidentiality: Careless use of social media could be a betrayal of confidential information. For example if an employee posts personal information like a date of birth that is also used for log-ins or passwords there could be a breach of security.

This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.

Or, in a business where client confidentiality is fundamental, like a solicitor’s firm or doctor’s surgery, a tweet by an employee that discloses the name of a client is likely to lead to instant dismissal. Employers need to be very clear about what’s acceptable practice for employees when they are online. And if it’s you that’s going online, don’t write anything that you wouldn’t say out loud to a stranger. It’s too easy to forget that online chats and comments are not taking place over the phone or the kitchen table.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

The Crowning Place of Scottish Kings

"FIT FOR A QUEEN - JUST FOR YOU” Have you ever considered Scone Palace as a “thank you” to your colleagues or clients in the informal beauty of these rooms this Christmas? venue for your Christmas celebrations? For the first time since we opened our doors over 50 years ago, we are opening our doors to welcome you and your company to exclusive use over the festive period for Christmas themed lunches in our Murray Suite, overlooking the beautiful Parklands and to the River Tay beyond. Exclusive use of the State Rooms is also available for evenings, in partnership with the acclaimed Heritage Portfolio. So why not consider saying a very special

And don't forget to look out for further details of our Christmas weekends for all the family too!

t: 01738 552300 e: visits@scone-palace.co.uk

www.scone-palace.co.uk

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Pending Changes to the Employment Tribunal system Fees On 13th July 2012 the Government published its response to consultation on charging fees for bringing or continuing an employment tribunal claim. The government plans to introduce this fee system by Summer 2013.

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Fees will be charged at two stages: Stage 1: issue of a claim Stage 2: before the hearing. There are likely to be two fee levels: Level 1 claims: £160 on issue of a claim and a further £230 at the hearing stage. (This will include claims for unlawful deductions, failure to pay redundancy pay, failure to provide a statement of terms and conditions of employment.) Level 2 claims: a fee of £250 and a further £950 at the hearing stage. (This will be for more complex claims including unfair dismissal and discrimination.) There will also be a fee structure for multiple claims and at the Employment Appeal Tribunal stage there will be an appeal fee of £400 and a hearing fee of £1600. There will be a remission system for those unable to pay the fees with some or all of the fees waived. Employment Tribunals will also have the power to order the unsuccessful party to re-imburse the fee to the successful party.

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Use of Conciliation and Settlement Agreements The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill includes a proposal to encourage parties to come together to settle disputes before a tribunal claim is lodged, through ACAS early conciliation, and greater use of Settlement Agreements which would replace Compromise Agreements. Provided by Moira Laws, Future Focus Scotland Ltd, Email: lawsm@futurefocusscotland.co.uk Tel: 01738 827797 Web: www.futurefocusscotland.co.uk

Moira Laws, Future Focus Scotland Ltd

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We believe P&L also stands for People and Location. Although Johnston Carmichael is the largest independent accountancy firm in Scotland we never forget that treating you as an individual at a local level is the reason that we are a successful business ourselves. Perhaps it is this philosophy that helped us win Firm of The Year at the Scottish Accountancy Awards in 2012, just as we did in 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008. If you would like to talk to us about how we can help your business grow then please get in touch with Euan McLeod on 01738 634001.

Let’s talk about growing your business. 66 Tay Street, Perth, PH2 8RA Tel: 01738 634001.

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There’s little doubt that most businesses are feeling the pinch at the moment. Uncertainty in the economic outlook combined with reductions in economic support for Renewable Energy means that capital investment in renewables as part of an energy efficiency strategy is not particularly high on the list of priorities right now. But it should be. Despite changes to Feed in Tariffs, there is still much that businesses can do to protect themselves from ever-increasing energy prices. Carefully considered capital investments make good environmental and business sense. We are all under pressure to control our costs, yet we know that our energy costs will only go up. Renewables can play a significant role in mitigating these price increases. There’s no doubt that Renewables can be expensive so getting the correct information right at the start is very important. Businesses should seek sound independent advice before committing to any project. Unfortunately, there are many instances where companies have bypassed this route to investment and have paid a heavy price. Ideally, you need to have carried out feasibility work. Dependent on the scale of the investment, you may require more detailed cost projections in order to secure project financing. Reputable consultants can provide this service for you. Green investment can give your business the ability to significantly reduce costs in the long and short term and make you greener in the process. In the current business climate, measures that can make Perthshire businesses more competitive and provide security for the future have to be considered. Provided by Jamie Glackin, Managing Director, Renewable Energy Consultants Ltd. Email: jamie@renewableenergycsl. co.uk Tel/Fax: 01738 472059/ 472009 Mobile: 07856 709240 Web: www.renewableenergycsl.co.uk

• Construction Cost Consultants • CDM Co-ordinators 2 King James Place, Perth Tel: 01738 625619

Jamie Glackin, Managing Director, Renewable Energy Consultants Ltd

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION

FIRE SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY – DON’T GET YOUR FINGERS BURNED It’s almost six years since the law governing fire safety in business premises was changed. Yet many companies remain unaware of their legal responsibilities and the penalties and costs which can result from their naivety. Ignorance, no matter how innocent, is no defence, however, as Roy Davidson BSc (Hons), District Enforcement Officer/Fire Investigator with Tayside Fire and Rescue, explains.

ire officers no longer go around and inspect business premises and issue Fire Certificates.

Since the introduction of the Fire Scotland Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006, the emphasis has been on self-regulation and the need for a Fire Risk Assessment to identify and deal with fire safety requirements within your own premises. That means the onus is on YOU. As the enforcing authority, the fire service oversees this requirement and, if you’ve failed in your side of the legal requirements, a scheduled or unannounced inspection by fire officers could result in warning notices and – in extreme cases – immediate closure of the business and hefty fines or jail sentences. Many businesses will have been briefed on the requirement for a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) at different stages in their business – perhaps to comply with planning or licensing consents – but others may have been trading for many years and believe their old Fire Certificate meets that same need. You couldn’t be more wrong – that old piece of paper is no longer valid and should be consigned to the dustbin. You need to carry out an FRA. An FRA throws up legal fire safety requirements for your building and business – both management requirements in terms of improvements to fire safety procedures etc. and more practical physical requirements such as alarms, doors etc. It is a legal requirement to have this in place before you open your business.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

You have to employ five or more people before you need a WRITTEN FRA. If you have less than five then technically you won’t need a written one - but if anything happened you would have to prove you had carried one out and that could be difficult. So it’s easier just to get a written one done to cover all bases. The need for an FRA covers every business from large multi-nationals to one person coffee kiosks. And while the owners of large business parks will have one for their complex, every small business operating within the centre is required to carry out their own FRA tailored to their specific premises as well. The awareness of fire risk within the local business community is improving but there’s still work to be done. There are a lot of people who only conform after fire officers show up at the door. The new fire laws are a good piece of legislation – they have tightened things up and made the business world a safer place. In the 1970s we had some major fires across the UK which instigated pieces of legislation like the Fire Precautions Act in 1971. But they were more reactive whereas this latest piece of legislation is proactive - it gets businesses to do something. But there are people out there who don’t know that this legislation is in place. In the majority of cases it is not AVOIDANCE but IGNORANCE on the part of the business involved but that is no defence in law.

FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION The fire service is there to give advice and point businesses in the right direction. If it is something that really concerns them we will visit and give advice but we won’t do Fire Risk Assessments for them. It is better that the FRA is done professionally. That can range in cost from a couple of hundred pounds upwards. This is done by a professional company and there are several out there. The Institution of Fire Engineers can recommend a suitable registered company for you. Guidance documents on carrying out an FRA can be downloaded free of charge from the www.firelawscotland.org website if you want to do it yourself. However, getting it done professionally is money well spent. It takes the strain off the owner who knows it is done by an expert and all the issues will be addressed without bias. If businesses get their FRA done professionally, it takes the pressure off them. The risks are identified for them. If they do it themselves they can cause no end of stress and bother and they may miss something vital. The first time that might be noticed is when the fire service do a spot check or when something tragic happens. We have had cases where the owner has tried to carry out the FRA themselves but it has been tainted by their financial constraints or something else. A professional will tell you exactly what you need to do. Once they have been in you can then bring in cost considerations. Can you afford to do this now? Can you do it in stages? After our inspections we work on Action Plans with businesses. This covers how they will rectify any issues with timescales attached which have to be realistic to both parties. This may allow them to do certain things over a long period of time. But they must reduce the risk until the building complies with required legislation. We have had cases where we have had to issue enforcement notice or prohibition. An enforcement notice gives the business notification that they have a certain length of time to rectify the problems or the case will be forwarded to the Procurator Fiscal for prosecution - but they can still operate. A Prohibition Notice, however, closes them down there and then until the issue is rectified. We have had cause to issue both although it is rare. Most people will take advice and do what they are required to do. There are genuine “innocents” who don’t realise the legal requirements and open there business before it complies with the fire safety laws. Armed with the legislation, we want to work with businesses to find the solutions. It is not something we are heavy-handed about unless it is life-threatening. We would encourage every business to ensure they have carried out an FRA and keep it up to date. A FREE Fire Safety guidance booklet detailing all your responsibilities as a business/employer/duty holder is available on request at Perth Fire Station. For further details on the Fire Safety legislation and on Fire Risk Assessments visit www.firelawscotland.org.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

HEADER BAR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

PERTH - A CITY THAT MEANS BUSINESS

David Littlejohn, Head of Planning and Regeneration with Perth and Kinross Council, outlines a new City Development Strategy and how businesses can help identify and invest in opportunities presented by Perth’s recently restored City status.

he restoration of City Status by Her Majesty the Queen this year is a welcome acknowledgement of Perth’s importance to Scotland and has given the City and wider county a real feel good factor. However, the bid for City Status was not designed to simply restore civic pride but to offer real opportunities for investment and economic growth. To ensure that we make the most of these new opportunities the council is producing a City Development Strategy. The strategy will seek to deliver the vision of the City of Perth being one of the most desirable places in Scotland in which to live, work, invest and visit. Measures within the strategy to help achieve this vision include increasing the supply of high quality office accommodation, as part of developing the economy; encouraging more private sector housing in the city centre, to help achieve social benefits; and marketing Perth as a city break destination in order to make the most of cultural opportunities. The draft strategy has been approved by the council and will now move forward with a wide-ranging public consultation. The consultation exercise will be carried out to gather views from residents, businesses, potential visitors and others, and an

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

updated strategy based on that feedback will be submitted to a future Council meeting. Councillor Ian Miller, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council said: "Achieving city status for Perth has opened doors to investment and opportunities. We must now put in place a strategy that will transform these opportunities into tangible benefits for our economy and our communities. Feedback from the local business community will play a major part in shaping the final strategy and to that end a survey is being sent out electronically to businesses. In addition the council will be organising a series of focus groups with Chamber members and other key business representatives in due course. But what are the key benefits of becoming a city? The first major benefit to highlight is a new found accessibility to central government funding which was previously beyond our reach. As a member of the Scottish Cities Alliance it is predicted that the City of Perth will now have access to funding for a number of inter-city projects and developments. It is hoped that this will draw in investment, not just through internal investment from within this country, but also through European funding.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HEADER BAR The Scottish Government's 'Agenda for Cities' recognises the role of cities in helping to drive economic growth and deliver its Economic Strategy for Scotland. In demonstration of this, it has made £7 million available to support collaborative projects between Perth, as a new member of the Scottish Cities Alliance, and Scotland's other six cities where there is a clear benefit to the Scottish economy. Perth has already secured an award from the Scottish Government’s City Heritage Funding following the granting of city status and this is for improvements to built heritage that tie with regeneration priorities As Scotland’s newest city, Perth, and its rural hinterland, is sure to increase in profile nationally, regionally and globally. VisitScotland identifies “Cities” as a key feature in its product portfolio and promotes Scotland’s “official” cities with specific marketing activities both nationally and internationally. The business tourism and conference market focuses mainly on cities so there is further opportunity to capitalise on this lucrative sector of tourism. The broad benefits of city status can perhaps be best illustrated by examples however. Since securing City Status Wolverhampton has benefited from £2bn of inward investment, Newport has secured 2,000 new jobs, Sunderland has seen Nike, Nissan and Barclays locate there and Brighton and Hove’s tourism spend has increased from around £400m to £700m. Newport Council leader Matthew Evans, coincidentally Newport was the last European City region to play host to the Ryder Cup which will next take place in Perthshire in 2014, outlined how Newport has benefitted since being granted City Status: “Becoming a city has helped to raise our profile and I think the residents of Newport will have seen a great deal of good come from Newport achieving city status. “It has given us more funding for regeneration projects to improve infrastructure, from highways to a new railway station, a city centre university campus and new schools to name but a few. “We have been able to build world-class facilities such as the Velodrome and as a result of this we have attracted Olympic athletes to train in the city.” He added: “Businesses have seen it is a great place to invest in and realised that moving to Newport will be beneficial to them. “It has attracted high-profile businesses such as Admiral, ONS, HM prison service, Yell.com, EADS and Wales and West Utilities. Closer to home, Inverness was a fairly recent recipient of City Status and shares many similarities with Perth both economically and culturally. In congratulating Perth on the award earlier this year he touched on how Inverness had benefitted from the award: “I hope Perth derives the same benefits that Inverness has enjoyed over the past decade. Gaining city status at the millennium had been a huge boost to the economy and wellbeing of Inverness. “There is absolutely no doubt that our community has grown in confidence and stature since city status was conferred on Inverness in 2000. Inverness is the hub of the Highlands and its growth and success is going for the whole region and we are also contributing to a more prosperous Scotland.” Clearly, the country is currently experiencing a significantly different economic climate to that which prevailed when City status was granted to these locations, and there can be no guarantees that benefits of this order will be forthcoming, but without doubt there will be economic benefits to be gained. Perth and Kinross Council will be working hard with its partners and all stakeholders to ensure that the major opportunities available through having city status are capitalised on fully and the draft City Development Strategy is the first step down what we hope will be a prosperous road.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

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PULL THE PLUG ON UNNECESSARY ELECTRICAL TESTING

mployers who use portable or transportable electrical equipment have a duty to maintain the equipment in safe condition - but don’t waste money on unnecessary electrical testing!

Ballathie House Hotel, Kinclaven, Stanley, Perthshire, PH1 4QN t: 01250 883268 www.ballathiehousehotel.com e: gail@ballathiehousehotel.com

BALLATHIE AS UNIQUE AS SCOTLAND ITSELF…

It’s a myth that every portable electrical appliance needs to be tested annually. It’s an expensive myth too, costing office-based businesses £30 million each year. The law simply requires that electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger - it does not state that every item must be tested - and misleading advice results in businesses such as offices, shops and hotels paying unnecessarily for over-the-top maintenance regimes. If you are looking to stay safe and save, the starting point is recognising the difference between Inspection and Testing. Inspection does not need specialist electrical knowledge. An in-house visual check to ensure equipment is free from damage such as frayed/split cables, cracked plugs, bent pins, loose connections, coloured wires visible where the lead joins the plug or evidence of overheating, such as burn marks, achieves the requirement.

Explore Ballathie for Meetings and Special Events. Book your clients, guests or staff into a unique venue - 4 star luxury with genuine relaxed professionalism to assist you to run your bespoke event. Award winning food, space to think, acres to team build, develop, brainstorm or unwind, only a few miles form Perth.

Testing requires the use of specialist equipment and whilst some test equipment is designed to be used by those who are not electrically skilled, most testing continues to require interpretation by an experienced technician. Now decide your inspection and testing frequency. For low risk environments guidance is available at http:// www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg236.htm. As a benchmark office equipment should be inspected at 2-4 year intervals and tested every 5 years. Double insulated equipment, displaying the symbol is exempt from testing. Provided by Alan McFarland, Evolve Safety, Perth. Email admin@evolvesafety.co.uk Tel: 01738 638860 Web: www.evolvesafety.co.uk.

Alan McFarland, Evolve Safety

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

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We offer friendly, jargon free, local computing support in your own home or business. • Hardware installation and maintenance • Software Installation and tuition • Networking solutions • Microsoft Certified Professional In addition to IT support and maintenance AHC Solutions can deliver regular or one-off support in the following areas: • Secretarial and general administration • Book-keeping and financial administration • Training in software applications eg MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint • Setting up/auditing systems For small businesses which require extra support from time to time this can offer an ideal solution. Should you wish to contract AHC Solutions on a regular basis then discounted rates can be negotiated. Contact AHC Solutions on: T: 01887 822922 M: 07860 944915 E: ahcsolutions@btinternet.com

INSIGHT – THE CURRENCY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

or businesses in Scotland which import and export, one concern which may trouble them is protecting their cash flow from unpredictable foreign exchange fluctuations. Little growth in the UK economy means revenue generated from fast growing overseas economies is increasingly the income stream needed to keep a growing business moving. Yet Bank of Scotland’s own research shows that only 11 per cent of businesses in Scotland plan to protect these revenues with a risk management strategy, despite almost a fifth (19 per cent) being active in overseas markets. With many other pressures facing growing businesses, predicting the ebb and flow of foreign exchange rates can be low on a list of management priorities. A sudden shift in exchange rates can turn a good contract bad, therefore it is important to consider how this risk can be reduced and managed: • • •

Can you negotiate terms with your supplier to allow for adjustments in currency fluctuations? Some suppliers may let you invoice in sterling linking your transaction only to the value of the pound. Try and negotiate terms on a fixed price.

If you’re planning on exporting, it is worth opening a foreign currency account so that transactions don’t have to be converted immediately. But there is no real substitute for regional and market knowledge. Predicting currency fluctuations might be complex, but deciding which option suits a company can be made a lot simpler with research and insight. Provided by Graham Blair, Area Director, Bank of Scotland North, Tel: 01224 283247 Mobile: 07887 821138 Email: grahamblair@bankofscotland.co.uk Web: www.bankofscotland.co.uk

  

Graham Blair, Area Director, Bank of Scotland

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

HEADER new member BAR profiles

Birnam Hotel

BIRNAM HOTEL Perth Road, Birnam Dunkeld PH8 0AA Tel: 01350 728030 Fax: 01350 728169 Email: enquiries@birnamhotel.com Web: www.birnamhotel.com Contact: James Rae

Situated in the picturesque village of Birnam you will find the Birnam Hotel, a fine example of Victorian architecture. The fine wrought iron gates are said to have been brought from Venice by Sir John Stewart, a wealthy aristocrat, to mark the entrance to Murthly Castle, which was subsequently demolished in 1850. Step inside the main door of the hotel and you will find a traditional family run hotel with a modern feel, having been tastefully decorated and furnished in keeping with this fine building. Move on upstairs and you enter in to the Baronial Hall which was once said to be “one of the finest public rooms in Scotland –

Dunkeld – its Straths and Glens” (1858). This high vaulted room must be an excellent venue for any large function especially weddings and Ceilidhs. Together with its 27 en-suite rooms, Scot lounge bar which serves meals daily and has an excellent range of scotch malt whiskies and spirits and the addition of the beauty salon opening late September, it seems to have everything and everyone catered for. And there’s more - right next door and owned and run by the Birnam Hotel you will find the Birnam Inn with its cosy bar and spacious, modern style Italian pizzeria restaurant with its extensive menu. This is something different and totally unexpected

but well worth the visit. For further information please contact the hotel directly.

FairPlumb Limited

FairPlumb Ltd

FAIRPLUMB LTD 21 Cleeve Drive Perth PH1 1HH Tel: 0755 400 6591 Email: fairplumb@live.co.uk Web: www.fairplumb.co.uk Contact: Andy Fairweather

Need a reliable and efficient plumber or heating engineer at competitive prices? Then look no further than FairPlumb Limited. A Gas Safe (Corgi) registered company based in Perth, FairPlumb Limited is a family run business established in 2008. Since then, it has generated an extensive and varied client base, ranging from small residential jobs to large commercial works. Ensuring that every job is carried out to the highest standard, FairPlumb Limited has gained a sterling reputation through word of mouth and repeat business. FairPlumb Limited go the “extra mile” by providing services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week¸ guaranteeing that they are always on hand to help with life’s little

challenges, whenever they might happen. Being an independent firm, FairPlumb Limited prides itself on providing a dependable and honest service throughout Perthshire and beyond. FairPlumb Limited ensures that costs are kept to a minimum for clients, whilst not compromising on the quality of service they provide. • • • • • • • •

Landlord gas safety certificates Bathrooms Central Heating Maintenance Boiler installs/breakdowns/ servicing Lead Work Renewables All trades can be supplied

Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus Perth 60 – 62 High Street Perth PH1 5TH Tel: 01738 412914 Fax: 01738 412981 Web: www.dwp.gov.uk Contact: Judith Sanderson

Jobcentre Plus plays a significant role in our society, promoting work as the best form of welfare. The organisation aims to provide a high quality, modern and free service to employers. They work closely to develop and agree recruitment solutions, helping businesses across all sectors make best use of the support available through Jobcentre Plus to attract and retain candidates. It is essential that the service provided to employers in Perth and Kinross contributes to the effective working of the labour market and to enable Jobcentre Plus to maintain a sufficient share of vacancies to offer jobseekers. Employer Advisors in the Jobcentre Plus Offices offer advice

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

on recruitment methods and support recruitment strategies. Jobcentre Plus helps employers gain maximum exposure of a vacancy to jobseekers by displaying details in various ways including our touch screen Jobpoints, via our website - which is one of the largest job websites – and, where appropriate, through Europe, using the European Employment services database. As soon as Jobcentre Plus has details of recruitment requirements, an Employer Advisor at the local Jobcentre Plus will be available to offer support so that vacancies are filled within the required timescale. They have a range of programmes and services which can support employers

in recruiting the right people - whether it is one vacancy or large-scale recruitment. They can assist in ensuring employers recruit from the widest pool promoting equality and diversity within the workforce, helping in engaging with local communities and raising awareness of the new initiatives available.

new member HEADER profiles BAR

Let’s Cook Scotland!

Let’s Cook Scotland Netherfield Abernethy Perth PH2 9LL Tel: 01738 851156 Email: sarah@letscookscotland.co.uk Contact: Sarah Mellersh

Let’s Cook Scotland! cookery school is run and owned by Sarah Mellersh, a professional cook with many years’ catering experience. After starting her career in the City in London, a complete career change took her into the world of catering. Having re trained, Sarah then became a private cook, working for a number of prestigious outside catering companies which took her all over the UK and Europe. A return back home to Scotland, saw a move into teaching cookery courses at the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine where Sarah taught and helped design all the courses. However, opening her own cookery school had been a long held wish, and in December 2009, Sarah opened Let’s Cook

Scotland! with the aim of using local produce, teaching realistic recipes and passing on her in depth knowledge, passion and experience of food and cooking. Let’s Cook Scotland! offer a range of practical cookery courses to suit all ages and abilities, from our one day courses through to the two week intensive course. All have been designed to inspire and give confidence to people passionate about cooking and enjoying good food. All the courses take place in the informal kitchen at Let’s Cook’s picturesque Perthshire location in the heart of Scotland.

At Let’s Cook we offer the following courses: • • • • • •

Weekend One Day Courses (make great presents!) Corporate Team Building Events Entertaining Courses Two Week Intensive Courses University Survival Courses Beginners’ Courses

Computing by Inches

COMPUTING BY INCHES 131 Craigie Road Perth PH2 0BJ Tel: 0771 721 7773 Email: Linda@computingbyinches.co.uk Web: www. computingbyinches.co.uk Contact: Linda Dunwell

“I am a rare lady service engineer with many years of experience in the PC repair industry, setting up computers and everything that connects to them, fixing software issues and savings as much of your information as I can in the case of a complete failure. “My customers are home users who want more from their experience than they would get in a shop when things go wrong, the people who are happy for me to visit them and show them how they can get the most out of their computer. “My aim is to find out what you need to use your computer for and give you as much help as I can to achieve your goals, giving advice and training as I work –

please do watch me work as you will often have far more questions and can learn some neat tricks to help you. “Computers are changing all the time and you may have noticed that more and more things can be connected to your computer. Some such as tablet computers are getting smaller, phones are getting bigger and everything can do so much more than was possible a few years ago. It can be amazing how much equipment can now be connected to your computer in some way, or to your TV and Home Cinema Kits…gradually everything is being connected. “My job is to help you get the most out of your equipment and make sure it is not a disaster when things go wrong.”

Mecure Perth Hotel

Mercure Perth Hotel West Mill Street Perth PH1 5QP Tel: 0844 815 9105 Fax: 01738 643423 Email: info@mercureperth.co.uk Web: www.mercureperth.co.uk Contact: Chris Charalambous

Enjoy warm Highland hospitality in the heart of Scotland at the Mercure Perth Hotel. One of the most unique hotels in Perth, set in a 15th century watermill, you can still watch the water trickling through the original water wheel from the garden, reception area and Lounge Bar. Perth city centre is on your doorstep and spectacular Perthshire scenery lies beyond. With a beautiful garden and a medieval function room with 15th century features, the hotel makes a romantic venue for your wedding. The Hotel has 4 meeting rooms, all fully equipped with complimentary wi-fi, audio-visual equipment and space for up to 120 delegates. There’s free parking for up to 40 vehicles.

They ensure that their business services and conference facilities meet the highest expectations. They will set your meeting room exactly to your specifications and offer a wide range of equipment to hire for your event. Simply let them know what you need and they’ll arrange it for you. When it comes to your festival, association or charitable dinner dance weekends, they are here to help you. As Christmas is fast approaching, be ensured that they’ve got something for everyone. From the spectacular Black, White and Diamond party nights, or festive lunches, to celebrating Christmas Day, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Why not use the festive season as an excuse to celebrate with family, friends or colleagues and join in one of the Black White and Diamond Party nights?

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

HEADER new member BAR profiles

Peel2Save

PEEL2SAVE PERTH Tel: 07955 341 027 Email: andy.taylor@peel2save.co.uk Web www.peel2save.co.uk Contact: Andy Taylor

Peel2Save helps hundreds of charities, schools, sports teams, youth groups, churches and other non-profit organisations and individuals right across the UK with their fundraising campaigns. We do this in two ways; assistance and support is provided to develop and target fundraising campaigns (large or small), and then by the good causes selling the unique Perth Peel2Save card to raise money quickly and easily, at no risk and with no financial outlay. We help you develop your fundraising strategies, provide you with collateral and market your goals & successes over social media. The handy Peel2Save Perth fundraising card fits easily in your purse or wallet and contains 64 fantastic offers from local

businesses with a total value in the region of £400! The Peel2Save Perth card helps raise funds by encouraging people to use local businesses who support their community by providing great offers - everyone wins! The cards only cost £10 and this includes a whopping £5 donation to the good cause selling the card. You only have to redeem 1 or 2 of the vouchers and you will have more than covered your investment/ donation!

Five Reasons why you should talk with us about Peel2Save helping your business… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

It’s completely FREE advertising for you Brings you in lots of new customers Supports your local community There’s no work for you… and you’ll be helping to raise money for local good causes

SaBRE (Support for Britain’s Reservists and Employers)

HIGHLAND RESERVE FORCES & CADETS ASSOCIATION Seathwood, 365 Perth Road Dundee DD2 1LX Tel: 01382 631026 Fax: 01382 566442 Email: hi-empsp@hi.rfca.mod.uk Web: www.hrfca.co.uk or www.sabre.mod.uk Contact: Ron Macgre

Highland RFCA is a Crown Agency, established by Act of Parliament as an independent and autonomous Tri-Service corporate body, to support the Reserve Forces and Cadets in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Major responsibilities include maintaining the Reserve Forces’ estate and providing administrative support to the Cadet forces. Incorporated within Highland RFCA is SaBRE, (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers). SaBRE is a Ministry of Defence marketing and communications campaign, created in 2002 in the belief that if an employer understands the role of Reservists and is aware of the skills they develop whilst in

uniform, their support for those of their employees in the Reserve Forces will be that much greater. Reservists, whilst in uniform, do gain access to many skills, many of which are eminently transferable to the civilian workplace - at no cost to the Employer – those include leadership, team building, decision making; assertiveness; first aid; health & safety; driving; IT and many more. Recent research, endorsed by the Chartered Management Institute suggests that the average Reservist is exposed to over £8,000 worth of transferable skills per annum. Having an employee who is a Reservist does bring added responsibilities to the employer, but these are more than overtaken by

the ‘payback’ in the skills package. Many employers nationwide have publicly declared their support for the Reserve Forces – and you too can declare your support and receive a framed certificate of thanks, to proudly display in you vestibule or boardroom. For further information, contact Ron Macgregor, the Highland SaBRE Campaign Director.

Perth Travel Clinic

PERTH TRAVEL CLINIC Suite 3/9 King James Business Centre Frairton Road Perth PH2 8DY Email: enquiries@totaltravelhealth.co.uk Tel: 07967622186 Web: www.totaltravelhealth.co.uk Contact: Derek Ramsay

Perth Travel Clinic is a specialist travel clinic providing travel health risk assessments, travel vaccines and anti-malarial medications. The Clinic is staffed with specialist registered nurses and pharmacists. Travelling overseas, whether for pleasure or business, can be exciting, however, there may be risks too that can impact upon your health. With the correct advice and preparation these risks can be minimised. The Clinic is happy to deal with all different types of traveller including business, school trips, gap years, emigration, holiday makers etc. Perth Travel Clinic stocks all major vaccines and anti-malarial medication so there is no need to make repeat appointments to have

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

the vaccines administered. Perth Travel Clinic’s online shop also sells insect repellents, mosquito nets and other products that protect your health whilst you are away. Perth Travel Clinic also operates a corporate flu vaccination programme. Flu can be a debilitating illness that can mean that your staff may be off work for a prolonged period of time. The safest and most effective way to prevent flu is by an annual flu vaccine. The CBI has highlighted that an annual flu vaccine can reduce winter workplace sickness by up to 30%. The process is very simple - we attend you workplace on an agreed date and vaccinate all staff that want to be protected. They

only ever charge for the number of staff that receives the vaccine. Their clients include Prudential Insurance and Strathallan School. Please do get in touch for more information on their services.

M E A D OWS I D E M A R I N E LT D QUALITY WORK CARRIED OUT BY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS GRP Repair Specialists Osmosis Treatment Insurance Damage Bow Thruster Installations Gel Coat Work Undertaken

Kip Marina, Inverkip, PA16 0AS Mobile: 07713 682 548 Contact no. at Mast and Rigging Services Tel: 01475 522 700 Fax: 01475 552 800

HEADER Food & Drink BAR

Perthshire’s Sweet Tipple Tale Perth and its surrounding area has so many connections with the Scotch Whisky industry, both contemporary and deeply rooted in history, that even well informed locals might struggle to name even a percentage of them. Kenneth MacKay, Managing Director of Scottish Liqueur Centre Ltd., has 35 years experience in the industry. Here he highlights Perthshire’s place in the whisky story and its sweeter relation – the whisky liqueur.

hether it be the first official record of distillation in Scotland (at Lindores Abbey near Newburgh) in The Exchequer Rolls of 1494, where the sale of 8 bolls of malt (over 1,000 lbs) to one Friar John Corr 'wherewith to make aqua vitae' was authorised by the King, or the fact that more of the Top Ten Scotch Whisky Visitor Attractions are based in Perthshire than any other county in Scotland, or the City of Perth’s Grocer’s role in the global development of blended whisky, or the headquarters of Scotland’s biggest selling blend based on the outskirts of the City, it is difficult to overstate the county’s historic role in the Scotch Whisky Industry. Sadly, however, it’s role in bottling and blending has long ceased and not since the Seventies has a walk round Perth been accompanied by the sound of bottles clinking on bottling lines as orders of Blended Scotch Whisky for the four corners of the world were prepared.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

That whisky has slipped somewhat from the Civic “Front of Mind” is not surprising but what will come as a surprise to readers is Perthshire’s place in both the history and the present day story of the Liqueur industry. The history of Liqueur manufacture in Scotland is as old as Scotch Whisky itself and there is little argument that for as long as we have been distilling we have been adding ingredients like honey, berries, nuts and even milk and cream to “The Water of Life”. Early distillation in the monasteries was almost entirely for medicinal use and a variety of different distillates with added ingredients would have been produced. The term Liqueur has been used since around the 13th century. It is originally derived from a Latin word meaning to liquify or make fluid and has been used to describe Spirit with flavouring and additives and, in recent history, with added sugar.

Food & Drink The legal definition today of a liqueur is “a spirit drink with a minimum of 100 grams per litre of sugar and minimum alcoholic strength of 15% alcohol”. At an international level Scotland punches way above it’s weight with the venerable Drambuie brand a must-stock item in most bars on the planet and it’s links with Bonnie Prince Charlie well documented and used extensively in historic marketing campaigns. Still owned by the MacKinnon family, its production base has recently moved from its long term Edinburgh roots to Glasgow and has recently enjoyed a resurgence on the back of a major re-package and re-positioning. Glayva is another well known Scottish liqueur which has also been making attempts to re-position over the years in its current, more modern get up. But look beyond Drambuie and Glayva and the Perthshire connections start to become much more apparent. Atholl Brose, although not made in Perthshire today, takes its name from the old Scottish recipe for “Brose”. The mixture of whisky, honey, oatmeal - and sometimes other ingredients such as cream - was a staple drink in the Highlands for much of the last millennium. The name Atholl Brose was, in legend, given to the liquid after The 1st Earl of Atholl in 1475 filled an enemy leader’s well with the liquid allowing his troops to easily overcome the “inebriated rebels” a little later! Probably the closest drink on the market today to the traditional creamy “brose” is actually manufactured in Perthshire in the village of Bankfoot. Columba Cream, made by the Scottish Liqueur Centre is a blend of single malt Whisky, honey and fresh cream and is produced to a recipe handed down to the founder of the company by Grandparents in Mull - just across the water from Iona who’s links with St Columba inspired the name. The small Perthshire company actually holds a “Compounders Licence” which allows them to manufacture liqueur from a variety of ingredients. “Compounder” being the technical term for a liqueur manufacturer. The company, which celebrates it’s 30th birthday this year has quietly developed considerable expertise in Cream Liqueur manufacturing and indeed is the only manufacturer of Cream Liqueur in Scotland today. Clients include Edradour Distillery, one of Scotland’s iconic visitor attractions and Edradour Cream is a firm favourite of both locals and visitors alike. A recent Licensing Agreement saw the Scottish Liqueur Centre appointed as manufacturers of Heather Cream for global markets as well as UK sales agent.

A number of other Scotch Whisky brand owners also go to Bankfoot for their liqueur manufacturing requirements and recent successes have also seen them appointed as liqueur manufacturers for both St. Georges Distillery in Norfolk and The Welsh Whisky Co.

All of this activity has seen a major boost for Bridge of Allan based Grahams Dairies who delivered fresh, on the morning of manufacture, over 12,000 Litres of local whipping cream for blending in the last year. The Bankfoot operation, which claims to use the freshest cream in the liqueur industry, is also enthusiastic of the benefits of working closely with other local businesses. Sugar and other ingredients are sourced for them by Perth based Tan International. Local links are strong indeed and the biggest selling brand produced in Bankfoot is a long-term supporter of local sport. Bruadar, a blend of Single Malt Whisky Honey Syrup and Sloes is a sponsor of the annual Blair Castle International Horse Trials and previously sponsored The Scottish Mens Curling Championships in Perth. With a healthy demand both in UK and overseas the Perthshire Liqueur category can surely look forward to the SWEET taste of success in future.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

Lifestyle

Our Olympic Unsung Heros

fter two joyous weeks of Olympic glory, Team GB athletes proudly took home 65 medals. But let’s not forget the other 70,000 Brits who deserve Gold - the nation’s army of volunteers who helped make London 2012 a resounding success. Selected from 400,000 applicants, the chosen few volunteered as guides, drivers and specialist roles such as linguists. One lucky teenager – a ‘kit carrier’ – even enjoyed the coveted role of carrying Usain Bolt’s sports gear. Spanning all ages, they were christened the ‘Games Makers’ and praised for their efforts. Together, they made London 2012 happen. Volunteers remain our nation’s unsung heroes. Over 1.2 million adults in Scotland volunteer - nearly 30%. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Voluntary Sector. At PKAVS, Perth & Kinross’ largest local charity, we match local people with volunteering opportunities in their communities. We also have 80 dedicated volunteers of our own and rely on their skills and goodwill to help our staff ‘make the difference’ to the lives of thousands of disadvantaged individuals. However, volunteering is not entirely altruistic. As well as the ‘feel-good factor’, the personal benefits are immense. For those 70,000 Games Makers, there was the chance to be part of British sporting history. New experiences are at the heart of volunteering and these experiences bring powerful opportunities for personal development. Volunteering can offer a route to employment, increasing employability and providing valuable ‘hands-on’ experience. For young volunteers through to retirees, the options available are diverse. At PKAVS, our volunteers drive minibuses, organise activities, contribute to our Board and give hours or days each week. We all have individual skills or knowledge that could benefit our communities. We just need to commit a little time. Provided by Helen MacKinnon, Chief Executive, PKAVS. Email: helenmackinnon@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 01738 567076 Web: http://www.pkavs.co.uk

Helen MacKinnon, Chief Executive, PKAVS

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

ISSUE 16 • AUTUMN 2012

INcommerce THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ISSUE 15 • AUTUMN 2012

THE OLYMPIC TORCH TRAVELLING THROUGH LOANHEAD, MIDLOTHIAN

FIRE SAFETy LEGISLATION – DON’T GET yOUR FINGERS BURNED

CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS WEST LOTHIAN BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2012 AND MID & EAST LOTHIAN BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 FORMULA FOR SUCCESS: GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

• Exercise for busy executives

UPDATES ON DALKEITH TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION

• Social media spotlight

DIGITAL DUNBARTONSHIRE

• City status opportunities

PAGES 10 & 11

• CHAMBER CALLS FOR RATES RETHINK – PAGE 5 • SONS PROMOTED – PAGE 29

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• Why Join the Chamber? Page 6 • Hamilton BID Update - Pages 14/15 • The Best Road in Britain - Pages 36/37

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Membership HEADER benefits BAR

he Chamber is an independent, voluntary, non-profit making, non-political business organisation dedicated to the furtherance of members’ interests. It is the largest private sector business support organisation in Britain.

The Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has a voluntary Board of Directors from all over Perthshire and a wide range of business sectors. rship Membe fits e n e B

Perthshire Chamber has two paid full-time members of staff: Chief Executive, Vicki Unite, and Office Support & Events Co-ordinator Karen Wright, based at the Chamber’s office at the Algo Business Centre, Glenearn Road, Perth, PH2 0NJ. The Chamber can be contacted by telephone on 01738 450401 or by email: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk. We are delighted to offer a new package of business services through our affiliation with British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The new services are listed below and provide even more added value to being a member of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Services Our memberships start at £139 + vat for businesses with 1- 5 employees. Offset that against the following business benefits: Chamber HR The Chamber HR service provides businesses with access to professional HR advice and a raft of documentation including contracts and staff handbooks. Chamber Legal Expenses and 24/7 Legal Advice Line Safeguard your business against the unexpected costs of professional legal services and get legal cover of up to £670,000 as well as access to a 24/7 helpline. Chamber Merchant Services Process debit and credit card payments with discounted transaction fees, reduced terminal hire costs and no service fees. Chamber Healthcare Help to reduce sickness absence and improve staff motivation with a choice of two great schemes. •

•

The Chamber Business Choice Healthcare scheme offers private medical insurance for your employees. Get 10% cashback annually or 50% off your chamber membership fees for 3 years. Pay as little as £1.10 per employee per week with the cash plan scheme Chamber Primary Health Plan.

Chamber Roadside Assistance Receive up to 61% on the cost of breakdown cover (for members of participating accredited Chambers only). Chamber FinanceIn partnership with RBS / NatWest we are able to offer 3 years free business banking for start ups, one year free business banking for those that switch accounts, discounted rates with RBS Invoice Finance, access to a dedicated Chamber Finance support helpline and international trade services.

Plus: • • • • •

Export Documentation Services Business Mentoring Chamber Information Hotline Preferential Rates for an Exclusive Training Programme Member to Member Discounts

Chamber Voice Local & National Representation There are many avenues of communication and promotion available to our members including this quarterly InCommerce magazine, the Chamber Website, the Chamber Year Book and Appointments Diary and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce website and Directory.

Chamber Events Events include: Regular lunch and early evening events, monthly networking breakfasts, free Business Lecture Series and an annual Golf Day. Plus many more including procurement and training events.

Annual Dinner & Business Star Awards – Friday 23rd November 2012 This glittering evening celebrates Perthshire’s award winning businesses and takes place in November each year. Around 300 guests attend this black-tie event where the winners are announced and awards collected. Applications are available for any business registered in Perth & Kinross and this offers and excellent opportunity to promote and publicise your business and a fabulous evening to enjoy with like-minded business people. Look on our website for current winners and how to enter the next awards!

Boo k tickeyour now ts !

How much is Chamber membership worth now? Chamber office on 01738 450401 or email info@perthshirechamber.co.uk for further details on any of the above or refer to the website www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

HEADER2012 EVENTS BAR September Thursday 20th

Evening Networking Event

6.00pm - 8.00pm

Radio Tay

Dundee

Monday 24th

PCC Board Meeting*

5.30pm - 7.00pm

Algo Business Centre

Perth

Friday 28th

Perthshire Chamber’s McMillan ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ Networking Extravaganza

8.00am - 10.00am

Summers Restaurant

Perth

Tuesday 2nd

Networking Breakfast

7.30am - 8.45am

tbc

Crieff

Wednesday 10th

Enchanted Forest Visit - Dinner & Event 7.00pm - 10.00pm

Enchanted Forest

Pitlochry

Friday 26th

Speaker Lunch with David Littlejohn

12 noon for 12.30pm The Royal George - 2.00pm Hotel

Perth

Monday 29th

PCC Board Meeting*

5.30pm - 7.00pm

Algo Business Centre

Perth

Tuesday 6th

Networking Breakfast

7.30am - 8.45am

The Mercure Hotel

Perth

Tuesday 13th

Moving Into Management’ 1 of 2 Coaching Course

10.00am - 4.00pm

Rowan Consultancy

Perth

Friday 23rd

Annual Dinner & Star Awards

7.00pm - 1.00am

Crieff Hydro Hotel

Crieff

Monday 26th

PCC Board Meeting*

5.30pm - 7.00pm

Algo Business Centre

Perth

Tuesday 4th

Moving Into Management’ 2 of 2 Coaching Course

10.00am - 1.00pm

Rowan Consultancy

Perth

Tuesday 11th

Christmas Networking Breakfast

7.30am - 8.45am

tbc

Perth

Mon 24th - Wed 2nd Jan

Chamber Office Closed

October

November

December

*Closed meeting but members are welcome to submit issues they wish to have raised.

Moving Into Management Institute of Leadership and Management Development Programme

ew managers are often expected to pick up the reins and adapt to a management role with very little support or training. You have probably spent several years attaining proficiency in your specialist area, but now you’ve been promoted to management and have a whole new skill-set to acquire!

•

Awareness of player-manager tension in yourself and what, when and how to delegate

•

Practice giving effective feedback on performance

•

Experience using the One-Minute Manager to set one-minute goals, give one-minute praise and one-minute reprimands.

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has combined forces with local ILM Centre, Rowan Consultancy, to bring you a 1.5 day programme focussing on the people skills needed by managers. It’s a whole new ball-game when, as a manager, you have to achieve results through other people, instead of doing the work yourself.

•

Understand the importance of planning, monitoring and reviewing

•

Consider what motivates your team

The programme explores the various, sometimes conflicting, roles which a manager plays. It has been approved by ILM as meeting their standards for management training.

The course is experiential with plenty of opportunity to related management theory to your current situation. We encourage you to share real-life management challenges with one another and to discover possible solutions.

Learning Outcomes:

Dates and Times

•

Awareness of different management styles: Adair’s Action Centred Leadership model, Authoritarian vs Laissez-Faire

13th November 10am – 4pm and 4th December 10am-1pm at Rowan Consultancy, 4 Kinnoull Street, Perth, PH1 5EN

•

Understanding the responsibilities and roles of a manager

This is a 9 hour course, spread over 2 days.

•

How to adapt your management style to the needs of your team.

Course Fees and Bookings

•

The transition model applied to your transition from colleague to manager and to change in your teams

Chamber Members £297+VAT Non-Chamber Members £330+VAT 5% discount if you send more than one delegate. See www.rowan-consultancy.co.uk or call 01738 562005

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

mcdiarmidpark

So much more than football . . . Hospitality Packages Match Sponsorship Stadium Advertising Printed Publications and Web Advertising Player Sponsorship Super Saints Lotto The Restaurant at McDiarmid Conferences, Seminars and Private Events Social Gatherings and Private Events Well Appointed Rooms Quality In-house Catering Unlimited Parking Central Location

www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ www.mcdiarmidpark.co.uk Tel: 01738 459090 â&#x20AC;˘ enquiries@perthsaints.co.uk St Johnstone Football Club Limited, McDiarmid Park, Crieff Road, Perth PH1 2SJ