April / MAY 2010
HUB FOR LEITH BUSINESSES TO OPEN AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
A new business hub is set to open at McDonald Road Library this spring, providing a one-stop shop for free advice and training aimed at local businesses. Designed to help companies large and small reach their full potential, retailers can attend special business surgeries and workshops where experts will offer support on a variety of business queries. Many sessions will take place in the evenings or outside of working hours so as not to impact on business as usual. From tackling shop-lifting to getting your business online; marketing and book-keeping to reducing waste and saving money, workshops will cover a diverse range of topics. Run by Business Gateway, with support from key partner organisations, the intention is to support retailers in a challenging climate with courses and advice tailored to the needs of the local business community. “We’re all for this business centre and it’s an important gesture to traders on Leith Walk,” said Philip Contini, chairman and managing director of Valvona & Crolla.
“It’s a great opportunity for smaller traders in Leith Walk to have access to information they might find difficult to come by because of the pressures of work. Because the business centre will be open in the evening, they can have a look at possible training options and answers to queries.” Councillor Tom Buchanan, Convenor of the Economic Development Committee for the City of Edinburgh Council commented: ‘I am delighted that, with the help of our partners including the library service and Business Gateway, we will be able to offer this valuable resource to businesses in Leith. Through providing easy access to practical advice and a range of workshops, we can equip businesses with all the tools they need to not only fight back against the recession but to make the most of the opportunities that the recovery will undoubtedly present.’ The initiative is part of the “I Love Leith” development project – a crossagency development project to promote the unique identity of Leith, support its existing business community, encourage inward investment and encourage trade and tourism in one of the capital’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. The Leith Business Hub would like to hear from you on what training or services you feel would best benefit your business. To find out more or to sign up, call 0131 347 2820 or stop in at McDonald Road Library (open Monday, Wednesday: 1.00pm— 8.00pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10.00am—5.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am— 5.00pm, Sunday 1.00pm—5.00pm).
SPOTLIGHT ON…
When Kenny Wood was made redundant in 2009 he turned his passion for all things aquatic into a brave new business venture, opening nautical treasure trove Oceanlife at 360 Leith Walk. Having kept marine fish in his home for over 20 years, the store was a natural progression for Kenny, enabling him to turn his expert knowledge into a thriving new business. Oceanlife stocks a colourful variety of tropical, cold water and marine sealife as well as all the supplies needed for keeping newly purchased aquatic creatures healthy.
CROLLA’S OPEN THIRD RESTAURANT IN LEITH!
Embarking on the ambitious new project was a gamble but Kenny believes it is already paying off , commenting: “It’s a real change of routine and although I have all the responsibilities of running a new business, it’s great fun! I should have done it years ago”. A fine newcomer to the Walk, Oceanlife is committed to getting involved with the local community – they proudly support a local anti-bullying campaign for Leith schools and have plans to support more community initiatives in the future.
LEITH’S WORLD TOUR TAKES EDINBURGH BY STORM Restaurant goers have taken advantage of some great deals and have been tucking into some of Leith’s finest international cuisine thanks to the ‘World Tour of Leith’ dine-around – a special promotion that ran in conjunction with the Edinburgh Evening News. Highlighting ten of the area’s restaurants, the scheme received extra promotion through Radio Forth and all coverage helped drive and
support further footfall into the area. Ernesto Crolla, Manager of Italian restaurant Massimo on Antigua Street commented: “The World Tour of Leith offered us a great platform to promote ourselves within high profile local press and gave a lot of customers who had not yet visited the restaurant an incentive to come by and try our menu.”
Tony Crolla, owner of popular Leith Walk restaurants Vittoria and La Favorita, has just opened a third restaurant in the area. ‘A Taste of Italy’, located on Baxter Place, aims to recreate the relaxed atmosphere of an authentic Italian diner. Tony comments: “We wanted to offer customers something a little different, and believe there is a gap in the market for our new venture”. ‘A Taste of Italy’ will be open from 10am–1am, 7-days-a-week, offering everything from brunch to late night munchies.
SPOTLIGHT ON... ASLAM JEWELLERS Aslam Jewellers has been adding sparkle to Leith Walk since 1994, with a stunning range of gold, diamond, platinum, white gold, silver and crystal, all sourced from around the world. Some of the finest pieces of jewellery in store have been designed by owner Aslam himself, who studied jewellery making before opening the now longstanding store at 307 Leith Walk. He comments “I look back over my time in Leith with fondness. It’s a wonderful area boasting a thriving and beautiful community.” Aslam Jewellers has the perfect gem for everyone, catering for a variety of special occasions as well as and those searching for simply ‘a perfect something’.
INTERVIEW WITH...
THE EDINBURGH CYRENIANS The Edinburgh-based Cyrenians have been working for over forty years to provide services which address issues of social deprivation, disengagement, poverty and homelessness. The Cyrenian Good Food Programme, based in Jane Street, just off of Leith Walk, redistributes a colossal nine tonnes of nutritious, healthy food from local businesses, to over forty homeless and socially excluded groups. Chefs and cooks select what they need from the food on offer – much of it being a nutritious array of fresh fruit and vegetables – transforming them into hot, healthy dishes. Dave Lacey, Deputy Manager at the Cyrenians, commented: “The Access Point Emergency Accommodation in Leith Street is an example of an
organisation benefiting from the service. They provide short term accommodation for up to fifty people a day who are homeless and in need of temporary accommodation, and they are always full!” He continues: “Being able to access good, healthy food makes all the difference to people who find themselves without a home and the ability to store and cook food. Providing a meal helps people feel better, gives them dignity and demonstrates that they are valued. This then helps their self-esteem helping enable them to deal with the issues in their life.” The Good Food Programme also provides cooking classes, basic hygiene courses and opportunities to become a trainee or volunteer.
Date for the diary: The Cyrenians are holding their annual Water of Leith Walk Challenge, a seven or twelve mile sponsored walk to raise essential funds for the organisation, on Saturday 17th April. The Cyrenians are calling on people like you to join and get involved! For further details and a sponsorship form please contact Dave Lacey or Daisy Muir dave@cyrenians.org.uk / daisy@cyrenians.org.uk or call 0131 554 3900.
We want to hear from you!
If you have a story which you would like us to feature in our next issue of Spotlight on Leith, please email Jo Bell at Burt Greener Communications: jo@burtgreener.co.uk