Invest In Perth Business Magazine | The Sustainability and Innovation Issue

Business Magazine Issue 12: The Innovation Issue

21st Century Glenturret A £31m investment partners the world’s oldest distillery with luxury global brand, Lalique.

The A. Proctor Group

The Perthshire company bringing innovation to every continent PLUS SMART INVESTING WITH NEOS / BINN ECOPARK / TOURISM RETURNS CITY CENTRE REGENERATION / BARLEY HUB / YOUNG PERSON’S GUARANTEE Invest in Perth Magazine

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WELCOME In summer 2021, The Perth & Kinross Taskforce published the Economic Wellbeing Plan, laying out a proposed set of actions to assist economic recovery and support growth over time. The Plan will be refreshed regularly as the scale of the economic impact is quantified, and in line with the fiscal response from the Scottish and UK Governments, and we are looking towards the future with cautious optimism and a prudent, long-term strategy.

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s with all areas, the impact of Covid-19 has seen Perth face its most challenging economic period of modern times. The pandemic, and consequential restrictions on business and the way in which we live, has severely disrupted all areas of industry and it is fair to say that the scale of the recovery should not be underestimated.

Of course, opportunity often follows adversity and Perth’s size and location affords it the ability to adapt and evolve quickly in an everchanging global marketplace.

As an area, Perth has grown by 12% in the past ten years, generating £4 billion GVA in 2019 with productivity of £58,700 – 17% higher than the Scottish average. This strong foundation, coupled with a progressive

approach to meaningful change, will ensure inclusive, sustainable, economic growth and positive human capital.

We have focused this issue of the Invest in Perth magazine around those businesses and investments who are reflective of the commitment we have as an area to sustainability, innovation and smart-tech investing and would encourage you to consider Perth as the place in which to grow your business in Scotland and the UK. Councillor Murray Lyle Leader of Perth and Kinross Council Sustainable | Innovative | Connected

Highlights 4 Business Leaders: Keira Proctor on growth and the global marketplace 7 News in Brief: The Latest updates from business 11 Full Fibre: Perth steps into next gen networking 12 Perth West : Opportunities for Smart Investing 14 Binn Ecopark: Leading the way in the circular economy

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18 Glenturret Distillery: The £31m partnership investment from Lalique 22 The Location Statement: Why Perth is the ideal HQ base 24 Building A Modern City: A £50m investment pipeline

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26 The Return of Tourism: A new strategy for recovery

How we work, live, and do business is evolving and Perth’s ability to adapt in a changing global marketplace has secured its reputation as an innovative business destination. If you are seeking an ambitious, vibrant city in which to invest your capital, build your start-up or place your headquarters, contact us: Kirsty Easton Inward Investment & Marketing Officer keaston@pkc.gov.uk +44 (0) 1738 475364 Perth and Kinross Council, Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull St, Perth, PH1 5GD

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On the cover: John Laurie, Managing director of Glenturret Distillery.

Image © Agi Simoes & Reto Guntli.

This magazine is printed on recycled paper

Produced by The Red String Agency on behalf of Invest in Perth Writing: Nicola Martin Design: Cain Martin

VIEWPOINT

Perth’s Move Forward From Cop26 Mike Robinson, CEO of RSGS and Chairperson of Perth City Leadership Forum with his views on how Perth embraces the opportunities presented by COP26

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write this article in the midst of COP26 following announcements in which more than 100 world leaders have committed to end deforestation, 150 organisations have agreed to accelerate the deployment of green innovations for the agriculture sector and Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a vision to “rewire the global financial system for netzero” outlining plans on sovereign green bonds and corporate climate disclosures.

a way for Scotland to use its networks for good.

And at the centre of our small, dynamic country sits Perth. The UK, until very recently at least, has been the leading country in the G20 to commit to take action on climate change.

Scotland has quite clearly set out to lead within the UK – we have some of the most stringent legislation anywhere in the world – and I firmly believe that Perth has the potential to lead the way in Scotland.

leaders, businesses and industry can inject optimism, passion and positivity into this arena, all while engaging people purposefully in taking meaningful action. And we can become the must-have address for sustainable business in Scotland.

And of course, Scotland has reiterated its targets as laid out in the Climate Change Act 2019 aiming for net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045. Incidentally, this is tougher than a net-zero carbon target, which commits only to balancing carbon dioxide emissions.

In fact, we could be exemplary. We have a fantastic city with one of the best physical environments in Europe. We’ve already got great assets: Europe’s largest public transport provider, Stagecoach, is on the doorstep; SSE is one of the largest renewable energy providers in Europe. And, of course, farming and land use is a fundamental part of the community, which so relies on the quality of the environment.

“This is one of the biggest structural changes that any of us will see in our professional lifetimes. It’s not only important; it is allencompassing. And so every business is going to have to ask themselves, and should be asking themselves, how will climate change affect my business today, tomorrow, in the decades ahead, and what am I doing about it? What am I doing to adjust? Not only to the physical effects of climate change, but most importantly, and most positively, how am I adjusting to be a part of this solution which is to move the Scottish economy, the UK economy and, with time, the global economy to net zero?”

Undoubtedly we still have a long way to go to deliver on these promises, but as a country we remain ahead of most - and as one of the more progressive nations in the field of climate change, we continue to play an important role beyond our own borders.

There are new alliances to build with other progressive nations and regions – friendships, trade agreements and knowledge exchange with the likes of California, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Costa Rica, Morocco, Chile, India, Finland and the Baltic nations as well as the EU. This is where we will see the greatest commitments, innovation, education and the future of industry. Working with these countries as friends and trusted allies might help them catch up when they finally do realise that climate action is no longer optional and is

Solving the climate crisis requires urgent action, in every sphere of our lives. We all need to step up because we all have a part to play however directly or indirectly. And to succeed it will need all of our ingenuity, drive, determination, brilliance and impatience. In short it needs the best of us, and real collaborative trust and effort.

This is why Perth City Leadership Forum, with the commitment of Perth & Kinross Council and with the weight of Perth Ambassadors behind it, has set its ambition to become one of the most sustainable small cities in Europe.

By tackling the big issues head-on - streets for people, climate change, mitigation, sustainable transport, connectivity, digital hubs – Perth’s

Mark Carney, Former Governor of the Bank of England, has summed up the responsibilities of all of us.

Find out more about RSGS Climate Education for Managers at: www.rsgs.org/climate-solutions Become involved in shaping Perth’s future at Perth Ambassadors at: PerthAmbassadors.co.uk

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FEATURE

© Fraser Band

Business Leaders: Take 5 Keira Proctor, The A. Proctor Group

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s the Managing Director of the A. Proctor Group, Keira Proctor carries on a centuries-old family tradition.

With records dating back to the 1600s, this Blairgowrie-based family business originally manufactured textiles and supplied flax to Scotland’s mills.

Since she took over from her father in 2012, Keira has grown the innovative fabrication company from a £12m business serving a predominantly UK base, to a £35m internationally renowned group of companies with clients and projects on every continent.

She is quick to attest that her success has been made possible by the foresight and foundations laid down by the generations before her, and by the continued hard work and innovation of her 130-strong team.

Today, the company is a worldwide market leader in the building and construction sector. Providing products ranging from their patented specialist membranes and thermal insulation to acoustic flooring solutions and ground gas protection, the A. Proctor Group is continuously moving forward, researching, and developing solutions for both traditional and new market sectors.

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A. Proctor Group is known for its pioneering products within the global construction industry. How do you ensure you remain at the forefront of innovation?

For us, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Our team is constantly striving to develop products that provide solutions for our existing customers and the industry as a whole – being innovative is what we do best.

I think to do this effectively, you need a holistic, long-term approach that looks at the big picture; it’s not possible to effect real change with cheap, quick fixes and so you must be prepared to listen to everyone – to clients, to the market, to the experts in your team – and to look ahead for trends.

And you must wait until things are right.

We don’t rush anything. Our reputation as a frontrunner has been built on trust and loyalty, and this is because we invest heavily in research and development, looking ahead to the challenges to come.

We have nurtured an innovative, dynamic culture over decades, and we consistently work to our own high standards, often exceeding those of the marketplace. In fact, the British Standard for air permeable roof

We ask local industry leaders the questions that matter most. membrane performance was set to reach that of our Roofshield product.

We also hold regular idea generation days with everyone in the business. It doesn’t matter if you work in the office or in product development, if you’ve been with us for 10 years or are a new start, your thoughts are valuable and will be heard.

As well as the recent impact of Covid-19, your industry is ever-changing. What are the most significant challenges facing construction today and how does a relatively small business stay ahead of the curve?

Interestingly, I think it’s our size that keeps us at the cutting edge of innovation. Most of our competitors are much larger buisnesses than we are but this has given us an advantage.

I feel fortunate to be in a hands-on position where I can make decisions that we can move on immediately. Whether that’s about taking us into new geographical markets, expanding our product into new sectors, or leading the way on research into new products, the A. Proctor Group is unburdened by layers of red tape and the need for approval.

It also means we don’t need to pretend

we’re something we’re not. We can continue to build on our long-term strategy of being technically excellent, allowing us to reinforce the trust that has been placed in us without worrying about cutting corners to save a few pounds – our sales are built on the value our products add, not the m2 price. What is important to the customers we supply is the overall benefit to the building performance.

What are the leading products within your portfolio and why?

Roofshield is one of our long-established products and remains one of the best sellers.

It is the industry-proven, tried and trusted class-leading breathable membrane with loyal and ever-growing support of architects and contractors alike.

We launched Wraptite, our self-adhered vapour permeable membrane, in 2016 and this is now our fastest growing product, with demand growing worldwide. It is the only one of its type in the UK, specifically solving problems in high rise and the modular offsite market sectors, where it addresses the need for homes to be airtight whilst allowing them to breathe. Our range of non-combustible membranes has also seen growth in demand over the past five years.

If you look to the tragedy at Grenfell in 2017, the industry has rightly witnessed one of the biggest changes to standards and building regulations in recent years. You can’t stop a fire, but you can mitigate the spread of flames and tests have proven that our range of noncombustible membrane products meets the highest classification required for use in high rise developments.

Alongside the research and development team, our salespeople are hugely important to the success of our products. Everyone in the field is highly technical and this is crucial in building and fostering relationships at all levels. From engineers to architects to installers, we need people to grasp why our products are better, specify responsibly, and ensure they are being always used properly.

How has Covid-19 and lockdown affected your business?

Because we had a number of new products in the pipeline that we could continue working on, we were in a better position than some. After a huge drop in sales turnover in April 2020, I was required to move quickly to utilise the furlough scheme, allowing us breathing space while we considered our options. Luckily, we began to recover month on month, and all our staff were back working by September 2020.

We decided to use the time to develop stronger links with our customer base and the industry as a whole. We had been making advances in several areas of Research and Development and saw an opportunity to showcase our message to a captive audience.

Our sales and marketing team launched an industry educational webinar that ran every second Friday. Featuring different team members, leading experts and guests, such was the popularity of this that we’ve continued with it post lockdown.

We have nurtured an innovative, dynamic culture over decades We now have over 70,000 views of our webinars and our captive audience continues to grow month on month. We have tangible results from these online webinars, including projects in Europe, the Middle East and a collection of new customers and relationships which have helped support our growth. I am so proud of the team pulling together and working on these during turbulent times, and they almost acted as an anchor and focal point for us all during lockdown.

Of course, like everyone, the impact on our team was significant. With everyone working from home we had to approach things in a new way. That’s why we decided to really step up in the ways we support the mental and emotional wellbeing of our team. We have brought in motivational speakers, international coaches, weekly yoga and so much more.

It has helped us move out of the silo that is so easy to fall into when working from home and has brought us together when we needed it most.

You’ve mentioned your team throughout the interview. How do they fit into your strategy?

Our people are undoubtedly our greatest strength. Twenty-five percent of our net profit per annum is distributed amongst our 130-strong team because I know that without them, we wouldn’t be here. I have so much respect for the heritage of our company, and I know that the strides we have made in the past 10 years are so much bigger than me.

We are an international company, with team members on every continent, and yet we are also a family business with a rich history and a culture that places us in the heart of our community in Blairgowrie.

I was born and brought up in Perthshire and that local connection is important to me.

Forty percent of our workforce went to the local high school, and we are mindful of our responsibilities to the local economy and families who rely on that.

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FEATURE

The A. Proctor Group: From Perthshire to Antarctica When it comes to innovative product reach the A. Proctor Group has cornered the globe.

Boasting projects on every continent, their ongoing research and development, and commitment to advances in the industry, have secured their position as world leaders in their field. Find out more on their website: www.proctorgroup.com.

Mawson’s Huts Antarctica // Products: Roofshield Sir Douglas Mawson, a geologist who led the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911, landed a party of 18 at Cape Denison on Commonwealth Bay in January 1912, and remained there until December 1913. The site was not visited again until Mawson returned in 1931 with the British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition and then not again until the 1950s.

Only a concerted public campaign would save and conserve this historic site for all Australians, and the Mawson’s Huts Foundation was formed in 1996 for this purpose. The Foundation has been involved with five conservation expeditions to Cape Denison, working in partnership with the Australian Government through the Minister for Environment and Heritage, the Australian Antarctic Division and the Australian Heritage Division.

Tighétébhu, an Eco House in Perthshire // Products: Wraptite, Reflectatherm Premier, Spacetherm CBS® (Cold Bridge Strip) When Keira Proctor commissioned the build of her own family home, Tighétébhu, it was always going to be an impressive example of how a modern eco house could be developed.

The split-level eco house was designed with two main elements, the first is the L-shaped 2-storey accommodation and the second is a large sweeping single storey curved entertaining area. Both elements are seamlessly linked by a large 2-storey atrium which gives access to all areas of the home.

Wraptite, the only self-adhering external vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA, was installed as part of the Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs) construction of the home making a significant contribution to thermal performance by preventing lateral air movement.

It also provides high vapour permeability in a continuously sealed, self-adhered, airtight membrane.

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Another key benefit of the system is that the high vapour permeability of Wraptite allows the substrate beneath to dry quickly and moisture vapour to escape. This ensures good indoor air quality and reduces the likelihood of mould, mildew, condensation, timber distortion and metal corrosion.

Alongside Wraptite, additional products were selected from the A. Proctor portfolio to enhance the thermal performance of the property including Reflectatherm Premier – a high performance reflective, vapour control layer – and Spacetherm® CBS (Cold Bridge Strip).

Chosen as the winner of the Best SIPs Home in the Build It Awards 2018, her integrated approach to the build combined her own high-performance products with best practice principles of managing the balance of Heat, Air and Moisture Movement (HAMM) to ensure an award-winning, A-Rated energy efficient house.

Following several sporadic attempts in the 1970s and 1980s to stabilise the deteriorating fabric, over the past 10 years the Foundation has achieved some outstanding results, including most recently a re-roof of the main hut. The design team required a robust material that would withstand the rigours of the Antarctic conditions whilst also providing vital air permeability to manage the high levels of moisture.

After an initial internet search the lead architect searched for the best performing roofing membrane worldwide and came across Roofshield.

Further research convinced the New Zealand -based architect of Roofshield’s unique physical properties and thus ensured its specification and eventual use on this project.

NEWS

Yara UK Invest £2.5m to Support Farmers

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ertiliser business Yara UK is developing a range of initiatives to help farmers improve their sustainability. And, as part of its longterm goals, the company has completed the first phase of an upgrading programme at its liquid fertiliser storage and distribution site in Perth.

The world needs to grow 40 percent more food by 2050 using less land, optimising yields, and emitting fewer greenhouse gases. For these aspirations to become a reality, the entire food chain must collaborate, which means supporting farmers to improve agricultural sustainability through nutrient use efficiency, soil health and by using fertilisers with lower emissions and applying them more efficiently.

Yara manufactures liquid fertilisers at its Perth site and distributes its products across the whole of Scotland from Caithness down to the Scottish Borders. It says the changes made will increase capacity and improve safety, efficiency and the consistent quality of delivery for all customers.

The facility is operated in partnership with the global chemical distribution company Brenntag, which has agreed to invest £5 million in expanding the blending facilities, with new liquid storage, warehousing and distribution infrastructure.

Stagecoach’s £21.4m Electric Bus Investment

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tagecoach has announced that it will be introducing 46 new fully electric buses representing an investment of £21.4m across Scotland as part of its drive to improve air quality and support the Scottish Government’s environmental targets. As part of this investment, nine electric ADL E200 singledeckers will be introduced in Perth on bus routes 1 and 2.

The order for new electric buses is a result of the Scottish Government awarding a second round of the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme. The initiative helps bus companies invest in electric vehicles and associated infrastructure to support a green recovery out of the coronavirus pandemic, improve air quality and advance Scotland’s ambitions for a netzero economy.

The award also includes funding for electric infrastructure for depots and Stagecoach is partnering with Perthheadquartered low-carbon energy company SSE to deliver the new electrical infrastructure needed in the Perth depot.

Scottish Government has set a legally binding target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Transport has a critical role to play in the economy reaching net zero, as rising car use has resulted in a rise in carbon emissions from the sector.

The first £2.5m phase of improvements was started in 2020 and was completed in time for the spring 2021 fertiliser usage season. The second stage, including a new fertiliser warehouse and the expanded capacity to turn orders around faster, will complete early in 2022.

“In Scotland, our Perth facility has been at the forefront of manufacturing and providing liquid fertilisers,” comments Yara business manager for Scotland, Gareth Flockhart. “The Brenntag investment will help the Perth site continue doing what it does best: making premium products that achieve the best results for our customers.

“Alongside this, we will continue to play our part in helping farmers improve their farm’s sustainability by capitalising on our knowledge of crop nutrition, farmers and markets to develop innovative solutions that also benefit society.”

Stagecoach has recently announced that it is targeting a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2035.

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NEWS

Provender Brown’s Funding Success Story

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n a year that was marred by uncertainty for traditional bricks and mortar retailers, city centre delicatessen, Provender Brown, expanded their offer and set in motion a strategy for growth that saw them secure a Beyond Scotland grant and an Open for Business funding award, both administered by PKC. Diane Brown, who has operated from her George Street premises since 2005, made the decision in the early days of lockdown to remain open, introducing a number of new services including an improved click and collect service, a local delivery service to those shielding and an increased number of items on the website.

Diane explains, “Up until lockdown, our online focus was mainly on spirits, wines and fancy goods. We had been looking to improve this for a while but with food retail at the heart of serving the local community during the pandemic, we knew we had to move quickly and be better.”

Such was the response by customers old and new, that a complete rebuild of the website was launched in October 2020.

Integrating with their stock system, the result is 3000+ items available to ship nationally.

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“Research suggests that we are now the largest independent online deli in Scotland and in the top three in the UK. Our search engine rankings have grown significantly

Sales to the wider UK are higher than we’ve ever experienced

and sales to the wider UK are higher than we’ve ever experienced. In fact, we tripled our hamper numbers over Christmas 2020 and I expect that will grow again this year.

“The Beyond Scotland grant has helped

us to improve that reach even further by allowing us to create individual landing pages and spend on driving traffic.”

In addition to this, Diane also accessed the Open for Business Fund, a PKC initiative that aims to encourage small businesses to ensure that the frontages of their premises are updated, welcoming and designed to attract an increase in consumer spend.

With 50% of the upgrade cost awarded, Provender Brown is undergoing a full refurbishment to their decades-old façade.

“We now stock over 150 locally produced items from Perth and Kinross-based producers and I’m pleased to report that we are collectively benefitting from the increase in sales.

“Feedback shows that our customer base, whether Scottish, British or European, appreciates and understands that Perthshire produce is synonymous with quality, authenticity, and agricultural heritage and both pots of funding have helped to ensure that we continue to represent our suppliers in line with these principles.”

NEWS

Update to City Hall Developments

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t’s a building that has hosted legendary acts such as The Kinks, The Who and Morrissey and work is now underway to create a bright new future for Perth City Hall.

Designed by international architecture firm Mecanoo, the £26.5m investment will result in a new cultural and heritage attraction, as well as improved civic space, scheduled to open in spring 2024.

As well as hosting touring exhibitions from the UK and abroad, the museum will become home to a very special centrepiece, and a significant part of Scotland’s history: The Stone of Destiny, which currently resides at Edinburgh Castle.

© Perthshire Artisans

Perth City Hall is supported by £10 million from the UK Government as part of the Tay Cities Deal – a £700 million regional investment programme jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments and regional partners – with Perth and Kinross Council contributing the remaining £16.5 million.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “Perth City Hall is on course to become one of Scotland’s must-see visitor attractions. The transformed building will add to the region’s rich cultural heritage and create a fitting new home for the Stone of Destiny.”

The Grey Earl Stirs a National Market

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rading under The Grey Earl brand for over ten years, Jonathan Bishop is one of Perthshire’s longeststanding creatives. A full-time illustrator, Jon creates greetings cards and gifts with a distinct illustrative style and quirky humour.

will be a greater presence at trade shows down south. We’ve also just launched an innovative die-cut card that can be worn as a beard. It’s really fun and lends itself perfectly to selfies and Instagram posts.

We anticipate that the Christmas range will bring a surge in social media traffic.”

In the past 18 months, as customers have sought to stay connected, Jon’s online sales of non-specific celebration cards have increased significantly.

Jon’s forward-thinking approach has ensured this growth is sustainable from production to packaging. For the past five years, The Grey Earl has used 100% recycled paper that is produced using energy from wind farms. His compostable sleeves are also an environmentally sound alternative to the cellophane typical of his industry.

“In the early stages of lockdown, our traditional retail sales hit rock bottom as stockists were forced to close their doors.

However, as time moved on, we found that people took to writing little message cards as a way to stay in touch with friends and family.

“Our quirky brand of alternative humour seemed to fit the mood, and in Scotland our dialect cards were a real hit. I think too, that people have embraced the shop local message with new enthusiasm and want to buy unique things from artisans.

“We have a focus on growth through the B2B sales and an important aspect of this

“I’m conscious of minimising our environmental impact wherever I can. Initially, this meant taking the hit financially as it does make production more expensive. Some people would have argued that I wasn’t being commercially minded! However, I do think we’ve arrived at a point where it matters to consumers more and more and now, people choose us because of our greener, fairer approach.”

Meet Jon at Scotland’s Trade Fair on 23rd to 25th January 2022.

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SMART INVESTING

Leading The Charge on Smart Investing

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opportunities, the area has committed to increasing business productivity, accelerating decarbonisation, and creating high-worth, sustainable jobs.

Perth has always played a significant role in Scotland’s economy; the area has grown by 12% in the past 10 years and today records productivity of £58,700 – 17% higher than the Scottish average. As an area it is a main player in the traditional sectors of tourism and agriculture, and throughout the recent past, has reported higher than average employment.

Boasting a reputation for excellence in renewable energies, local energy systems, low carbon transport and waste management, the area’s senior economists and policymakers have placed a firm emphasis on energy and mobility smart solutions, including the Perth West development, that will deliver a unique proposition, integrating low carbon innovation within a single urban development.

Now, as we move further into the new, smart age in industry, the area has set its sights on ensuring long-term, meaningful change that will secure its reputation as the place to do business in Scotland and the UK.

Over 150 enterprises in this sector already have a base in Perth, including the James Hutton Institute, the McDermott Group and FTSE 100 companies, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Stagecoach.

Smart investing is being delivered through the the key pillars of energy, mobility and digital and aims to create added value through their integration into a single roadmap. Driven by a £700 million City Deal that will leverage ongoing investment and exciting research and development

By prioritising the growth and development of these world-class companies, alongside forwardthinking projects such as the Perth Smart Energy City Programme, Perth is well placed to lead the smart innovation sector into the future.

ocused on delivering economic resilience and long-term growth through innovation and sustainability, Perth’s smart agenda for the future has started now.

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Smart solutions for energy monitoring, resourcing and repurposing will collectively focus residents and businesses promoting awareness of consumption and costs.

Using smart mobility to leverage technology and innovation, multiple forms of transport can be managed in more efficient and sustainable ways.

An increase in connectivity and improved efficiencies will impact behavioural change using digital network enabled technologies.

Perth’s Full Fibre Network is Here

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Smart Investing Now and for the Future Find out more:

panning 19.5km, Perth’s new, end-to-end full fibre network underpins significant digital infrastructure within the region.

Completed in August 2021 by Neos Networks, one of the UK’s leading B2B connectivity providers, it covers city centre locations, including educational institutions, council buildings, leisure centres and sheltered housing, as well as key public buildings such as Perth fire station and the CCTV city operations centre. The network also stretches out to the north and west of the city, close to new 5,000home housing developments and commercial sites.

Perth and Kinross Council awarded Neos Networks the major gigabit-capable connectivity project in November 2020, with the goal of facilitating next generation technologies such as 5G and Internet of Things (IoT), crucial to futureproofing businesses in the area and the local community.

The full fibre network deployed by Neos forms part of Wave 3 of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Local Full Fibre Network programme. The project received £1m of funding from the UK Government and was supported by Council and Building Digital UK (BDUK) officials from procurement through to completion. The project also utilised just under half a million pounds of UK Government funding allocated to the Tay Cities Deal for digital projects as a local contribution.

Now the network is fully installed and ready for operation, the connectivity provider will help serve Council buildings and the local community for the next 20 years, under IRU agreements between the Council and Neos Networks, futureproofing the region against the ever-growing demands of the digital economy.

Aside from the direct benefits of connectivity, the project is supporting the local economy through investment, government-driven initiatives and schools training programmes to deliver connectivity to rural communities, helping bridge the social divide.

Peter Asman, Managing Director for Public Sector & Enterprise at Neos Networks, said: “The importance of effective collaboration and constant customer contact has been key to the success of this project.

Working in conjunction with Perth and Kinross Council has been outstanding and is a prime example of how public sector bodies and service providers can work in partnership to transform society and secure a gigabit-capable digital future for the community.”

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SMART INVESTING

Perth West: A Catalyst For Change Playing a significant role in the transition to net zero across Perth and Kinross

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erth West is a unique proposition to integrate low carbon innovation within a single urban development and aims to be a catalyst for the transition to net zero in the UK. Boasting a reputation for excellence in renewable energies, local energy systems, low carbon transport and waste management, Perth’s ambition is to become one of Europe’s most sustainable small cities.

As the flagship project in this goal, Perth West aims to be an exemplar project for the UK. Public demand for active travel options and a better work-life balance is far ahead of current provision. Perth West will deliver skilled jobs in the fastest-growing sector of our economy while also enabling a rethink of the way we live and move around.

A PKC spokesperson commented, “Perth West offers a strategic

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opportunity for purpose-driven investors and corporates to co-create a residential and commercial net-zero exemplar generating long-term and sustainable benefits.

“The project will contribute to three of the Ten Points Plan for a green industrial revolution as it aims to develop greener buildings, decarbonise private and commercial transport, and increase green public transport, cycling and walking.”

Perth West offers a strategic opportunity for purpose-driven investors and corporates

To deliver a project that will align Perth and Kinross Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan with government targets for sustainable development, requires a model that fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors, with support from academic research. This will ensure the facilitation of private investment, public benefit and future infrastructure.

“Driving business and place innovation in energy and mobility, it will facilitate a rethink of the way we live and move around cities, because it has been developed specifically with sustainability at its core.

As such, the local authority has entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the landowner and project promoter and formed a delivery board which will draw in expertise from private sector, universities and government agencies.

The Perth West development comprises: • The Perth Innovation Highway connecting smart city mobility and full fibre strategies with renewable energy sources • The Perth Eco Innovation Park with facilities over 25 hectares for advanced logistics, smart energy systems, and a Living Lab centre to host academic research • The DR.ECO solar park connecting 20MW of solar energy into smart grid networks serving the development • The Lamberkin Villages centred around community mobility hubs to promote active travel and wellbeing through blue-green infrastructure and the promotion of the 20-minute neighbourhood.

If you would like to find out more about smart investment opportunities then please contact: Kirsty Easton, Inward Investment Officer: keaston@pkc.gov.uk investinperth.co.uk Invest in Perth Magazine

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Binn Ecopark, The Circular Generation The Perthshire farm leading the way in UK recycling

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n the five years since Scotland set out its national circular economy strategy – one of the first in the world – it has been recognised by the World Economic Forum, built on its ambitious targets, and received an international accolade by way of a ‘Circulars’ award for Cities and Governments in 2017.

The policy is underpinned by the key principles of the waste hierarchy – prevention and promoting reuse, polluter pay, and the gathering of evidence as we assess effectiveness.

Significantly, recycling targets focus on the reduction of household waste, food waste, biodegradable municipal waste, and landfill, with 2025 set out as the milestone year for delivery.

Whilst recycling rates have improved – 59% of all Scottish waste was recycled in 2017 – household recycling rates – 44.7% in 2018 – remain lacking. Added to this, a valuable recycling system is not only about the volume we are collecting, but also, increasingly, the quality and the value of the materials we are collecting for recycling.

In Perthshire, the Binn Group has been quietly building on the solid 14

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foundation of their decades-old waste management business, to become a leading company in the field of decarbonisation.

Allan MacGregor, Binn Group Chief Executive, explains how a small skip hire service started in 2001 progressed to the forefront of recycling in the UK.

Based at the family farm in Glenfarg, Binn Ecopark is an established and growing circular economy-focused resource management centre and is

“Really, the farm diversification first started in the early ‘90s with my father, John MacGregor, when he spotted an opportunity for a modern landfill solution. At the time, he knew the UK landfill tax was coming and that animal by-product would be banned from landfill altogether. Added to this, the three landfills within Perth and Kinross were filling up – a solution was needed.

Heralded as the most integrated and low-carbon resource management facility in the UK the only organisation of its type to fully process all its waste – some 500,000 tonnes annually – using green power.

Recognised across the industry as an exemplar organisation, Binn’s steady course of action over the past two decades has been to embrace change through innovation, leading by example, and providing tangible opportunities for others to collaborate, partner and follow.

“By 1993, Binn Farm had planning permission for the development of a new modern fully engineered landfill site capable of managing leachate and capturing energy from the landfill gas. There’s no doubt that what my father saw initially was a business opportunity. He realised that there was money to be made and he wanted to ensure Binn was a frontrunner in private waste management and recycling.

“In 2000, Binn Skips Ltd was formed and I joined as CEO to drive the business forward, and to take those

early-stage innovations to the next stage. Since then, it’s been organic in its growth and what started as a business opportunity for farmland has become an all-encompassing ethos for the group.

“From small points of detail, like ensuring all directors are driving electric cars, to the big picture strategy around 100% wind power onsite, and ensuring we remain fully carbonneutral, we’re committed to what we do and take our position as trailblazers seriously.”

Binn Ecopark has been heralded as the most integrated and low-carbon resource management facility in the UK, and the aim of Allan and the senior management team is to lead the way Europe-wide. The site processes over 500,000 tonnes of waste annually – 300,000 of which is generated via their own waste management services – and currently includes two Material Reclamation Facilities (MRF) treating commercial, industrial and municipal waste, an anaerobic digestion facility, in-vessel and green-waste composting facilities, a Residual Waste Solid Recovered Fuel Plant and a waste wood processing and storage facility.

Planning consent has recently been secured for Project Beacon, an Advanced Plastics Sorting and Upcycling Facility (APSuF), which is a collaboration between the Binn Group, Eco ideaM Ltd, Pi Polymer Recycling Ltd and Recycling Technologies Ltd. “Partnership working is important to the advancement of the Ecopark and I’m a big believer in bringing the best people to the table in order to get to where we want to be. From the experts on our team to the partners we seek out, it is the vision and determination of our people that has enabled us to forge ahead.

“A great example of this is a recent development that has kick-started the exporting of our excess electricity via private grid. We currently generate 90% more electricity than we use each year. By engaging with the Perth Smart Energy City project led by PKC we have created a partnership with Green Cat Renewables and Bluestone Energy to deliver green power to Perth city. It’s an exciting opportunity and

one that will take us to the next step in decarbonisation in Perth and Kinross, and wider Scotland.”

The development Allan refers to is a four-turbine 9MW wind farm, which will enable Binn to become one of the UK’s first low-carbon, low-cost private grid systems. Solar power, bio-gas, battery systems and a small waste to energy plant will complete the energy mix at the facility and support the transition to advanced food production and other clean technology developments.

As well as this investment in infrastructure and future technology, the site aims to develop a training, education, research and development centre, promoting low-carbon and clean technology systems. The company’s transport focus includes electrical and hydrogen vehicles.

“In 2019, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the local authority, Perth and Kinross Council.

The MOU aims to develop a structured approach to discussions, co-ordination and joint promotion to attract further investment, research and employment opportunities to Binn Ecopark and the city.

“Our ultimate goal is to have the full circular economy right here on site in Glenfarg. All we need are partners and tenants with a vision for green growth and addressing climate change. A specific vision I’ve always had is to process recycled materials into a usable product. We know there are companies out there already doing this, and the opportunities for startups in this space to build profitable businesses are there for the taking.”

Businesses or organisations seeking development, tenancy or partnership opportunities within the clean technology and circular economy space should make initial contact with John Ferguson, Head of Strategy for the Binn Ecopark: john.ferguson@binnecopark.com or for waste and recycling inquiries Jim Brown, Commercial Director at the Binn Group: jim.brown@binngroup.co.uk Invest in Perth Magazine

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TAY CITIES DEAL

International Barley Hub Advances Building work has begun on the £62m International Barley Hub and Advanced Plant Growth Centre at the James Hutton Institute.

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he two plant science innovation centres are being supported by £45 million from the UK Government and £17 million from the Scottish Government as part of the Tay Cities Region Deal.

Businesses and sectoral interest groups such as the Scotch Whisky Research Institute, Maltsters’ Association of GB, and the National Farmers Union Scotland form part of the project consortium’s demand side.

With completion expected in early 2024, the centres will bring together industry and world-leading science to focus on solutions for the food and drink industry regarding climate change and a green recovery from the disruption caused by Covid-19.

Professor James Brosnan, Chair of the International Barley Hub, said: “There is real excitement and optimism about formally marking the physical beginning of the International Barley Hub.

The multi-million developments comprise state-of-the-art science, farm and field facilities, and a new access road. They are being delivered by Oberlanders and Wellwood Leslie Architects and construction business McLaughlin & Harvey under the Scape Major Works UK Framework.

The £35m International Barley Hub seeks to secure the long-term future of the barley sector by helping develop new varieties and growing systems that can cope with future climate change, plus new uses for the crop.

The project is underpinned by decades of research by the James Hutton Institute and partners, including the University of Dundee, SRUC and Abertay University, the Rowett Institute and others.

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The centres will bring together industry and world-leading science to focus on solutions for the food and drink industry The IBH complements the existing spirit of collaboration in the barley supply chain and will provide the answers to our shared climate challenges through applied scientific excellence. This is indeed a significant milestone to have reached, and we look forward to seeing this project become a reality.”

The £27m Advanced Plant Growth Centre aims to revolutionise crop production systems to produce food locally, 365 days a year, with less environmental impact. Such systems can be completely independent of the weather or availability of agricultural land, for example, indoor vertical farms using LED lights that have full environmental control and are located close to the population on unused derelict land.

APGC will support a rapidly expanding industry with 25% annual growth and an estimated worth of $12bn by 2026.

Professor Derek Stewart, Director of the Advanced Plant Growth Centre, added: “Today’s milestone reflects the aim of the APGC to break new ground in many areas related to our quality of life. This Centre will allow us to develop and translate science that will lead to new production systems like vertical farming, more accurately model climate change and its implications for plant and crop products such as food, pharma etc, and support food security through crop storage.”

Combined, the two projects aim to create over 470 jobs in the Tayside region and a further 2,200 jobs across the wider Scottish and UK economy, demonstrating the true national importance of the two initiatives.

Breaking-ground Ceremony To mark the commencement of the works formally, a breaking-ground ceremony was held at the James Hutton Institute campus in Invergowrie, led by both Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands and Iain Stewart MP, Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, and joined by project stakeholders and supporters.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “I am delighted to be helping to mark this important first step towards realising our £17 million investment in new facilities at the James Hutton Institute through the Tay Cities Region Deal.

“The Institute has ambitious plans for the future, combining its world-leading research with a real commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable food production for the future.

We are committed to supporting research and innovation in agriculture to help keep Scotland at the forefront globally of action on food security through projects like the International Barley Hub.” UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “These exciting projects will place Scotland at the forefront of agricultural innovation, ensuring our food and drink production remains dynamic, sustainable and secure. The UK Government is contributing £45 million to these projects through the Tay Cities Deal, which is bringing new jobs and investment to the region.”

The Tay Cities Deal is a £700 million, 10year regional investment partnership between governments and public and private organisations across Perth & Kinross, Angus, Dundee, and northeast Fife.

Councillor John Alexander, chair of the Tay Cities Deal joint committee, said: “These two flagship projects embody the innovation and sustainability which lie at the heart of the Deal.

I’m excited to see these world-leading research hubs starting to grow at the heart of the Tay Cities Region.

I look forward to seeing the centres contribute to solving the huge challenges of our time, including climate change, food security and a green recovery from the global pandemic while supporting jobs in the region and beyond.”

About The James Hutton Institute The James Hutton Institute is a worldleading scientific organisation encompassing a distinctive range of integrated strengths in land, crop, waters, environmental and socioeconomic science. It undertakes research for customers including the Scottish and UK governments, the EU and other organisations worldwide. The Institute has over 500 employees and 120 PhD students, and with associated bodies and spin-out companies there are over 750 people working on Hutton campuses.

The James Hutton Group comprises the Institute, The Hutton Foundation and its commercial subsidiary, James Hutton Limited (JHL), which is the vehicle for

translating and commercialising the scientific expertise, intellectual property, facilities and resources of the Institute. JHL offers customers a comprehensive range of analytical, research and development, crop breeding, and consultancy services drawing on the full range of expertise in the Institute.

The Institute takes its name from the 18th century Scottish Enlightenment scientist, James Hutton. He changed the way we think about our world with deep insights into land, soils, crops and the climate and is widely regarded as the founder of modern geology.

More information at: www.hutton.ac.uk

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The Glenturret, Distilling Tradition And Luxury A £31m investment in The Glenturret Distillery by luxury global brand Lalique and investment partner Hansjörg Wyss marks a new age for the world’s oldest distillery.

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hen the announcement came in late 2019 that Silvio Denz, owner of Châteaux Faugères in St-Émilion and Lafaurie-Peyraguey in Sauternes, partnered with Swiss entrepreneur Hansjörg Wyss via the Lalique Group to purchase The Glenturret Distillery in Crieff, it was clear that something very special was about to take place.

will reduce their carbon footprint as they move forward with their planned increase in production from 170,000 litres annually to 500,000.

As the world’s oldest trading distillery – it is now known that earliest records go back to 1763 – The Glenturret had been in the hands of the Edrington Group for over 30 years, and the £31m deal is reported to have included more than one million litres of maturing Scotch whisky at different strengths and in different casks.

Strategically, we think of ourselves as more than just a whisky distillery.

In the almost two years since then, a further £6.5m has been invested in a luxurious refurbishment with the same again expected for future developments that will include a £1m modernisation of the all-important mash tun which 18

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John Laurie, Managing Director, commented, “To achieve what we have in just 18 months would be impressive

by anyone’s standards, but to do it under the pressures of lockdown was no mean feat. I think that speaks volumes to the commitment and

determination of our owners, and the passion and knowledge of our team.

“We’ve wasted no time in combining the best of the old with the excitement of the new but I should emphasise fully that The Glenturret will retain the tradition of being a small, handoperated distillery focused on niche production and high-end quality.

“Over the years, single malt bottlings of Glenturret have been rare, which is why we are so proud to have launched a new range, overseen by renowned industry legend, Bob Dalgarno, who is recognised as one of the finest whiskymakers in the world.

“The stocks we have will allow for the blending of high-end single malts with ages ranging from 10 to 40 years, including various special editions.

Our aim is to reach 500,000 litres – any more would require too many extensions and would change the production process entirely.”

Left: Industry legend, Bob Dalgarno has created a new range of whiskies

© Agi Simoes & Reto Guntli

© Agi Simoes & Reto Guntli

What has changed though is the Glenturret brand itself. In 2020, a new identity was launched, including a stunning bottle designed by Marc Larminaux, Artistic and Creative Director at Lalique. Future releases of limited edition Glenturret single malts, housed in Lalique crystal decanters, are also part of the plans.

the opportunities on offer and to bring added benefits to the area.

Interestingly, the multimillion-pound investment has had no impact on the cost of entry. It remains at £13 for an adult, with Laurie keen to stress that while the Whisky Tour, restaurant, café and shop have evolved, the focus is very much on ‘accessible luxury’.

“Strategically, we think of ourselves as more than just a whisky distillery.

The launch of The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant earlier this year has positioned us alongside the best of the UK’s fine-dining establishments, and we are the only destination in Scotland to play home to a stand-alone Lalique Boutique. Combine this with the expertise of our people, the worldclass team we have built, and you will begin to understand the truly unique offer we have created.”

“Tourists and locals alike will find an enhanced visitor experience, at the same entry price. We want to drive tourism in a sustainable way, working with the local communities to grow

“Lalique is the respectful custodian of this beautiful and special distillery. We are working with local suppliers more than in the past, which allows us to get back to our roots. It’s uplifting for the area and for the town of Crieff.

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Sustainable Whisky Production

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n an issue dedicated to sustainability, featuring a whisky distillery as our centrepiece was always going to be a bold move. However, John and the team are working hard to ensure The Glenturret’s green credentials are as honourable as their approach to their craft.

A £1m investment is planned in the mash tun, the heart of the operation where the barley is washed. Glenturret has always prided itself on traditional hand-mashing which requires the mash tun to remain at the top.

© Agi Simoes & Reto Guntli

“The entire industry is looking at the production methods required to produce whisky and the journey to 2030 and carbon neutral is one we need to take together. For example, there is exciting research going on that is looking to Barley Draft as a biofuel.

At the moment, we give it away to local farmers as feed for cattle.

“Here at Glenturret, we’re currently looking at ways to retain the authenticity of what we do, while closing the top of the mash tun. We could recover around 250KW of heat each year by making the switch, as well as reducing water and gas – but we need to do this whilst ensuring we maintain the ethos of by hand and by heart.

“As well as this, we’re on track to eliminate all single-use plastic by 2022, all cardboard used will be sustainable, and a new chef’s garden complete with beehives will add another layer of provenance to a menu that is already dictated by seasonal produce and foraged ingredients.”

© Agi Simoes & Reto Guntli 20

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The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant & Bar

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n what is undoubtedly the most significant of all changes made to date, a spectacular new dining experience in the shape of The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant was launched in summer 2021. The first of its kind in Scotland, this finedining destination is home to an intimate dinner-only restaurant, the breathtaking Lalique Bar, Afternoon Tea Salon and Vinoteque.

Critically acclaimed Michelin Star chef, Mark Donald, previously of the Balmoral, sits at the helm and the front of house team is no less impressive with sommelier Julien Beltzung from the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong guaranteeing world-class gastronomy and hospitality.

“It’s more than just a luxury surrounding and magical atmosphere. The food tells you a story about where you are, with wild garlic and sweet cicely from around the area, and locally sourced ingredients inspiring the menus.

“Mark has created a cosmopolitan, multi-course tasting menu, which is complemented by a 420-bin wine

list and it seems fitting that we can now provide visitors with an elevated dining experience that reflects the skill, heritage and Scottish heart that goes into producing our whisky.

We need to find a way to help people to communicate better when discussing whisky in the same way we have for wine. The colour, the mouth feel, the palate.

“It took a lot of courage to do it – we are the only fine-dining experience within a whisky distillery – but it has paid off.

We’re full every night of the week and people now need to give at least a week’s notice to secure a table.”

“In doing this, we can start to educate people on how to pair their favourite whisky with food. Whisky with chocolate or fudge is a fantastic combination as it leans into the sweetness, but it also goes well with cheese and charcuterie.

The design of the restaurant was overseen by Green & Mingarelli, the interiors duo who designed two of Lalique’s other hospitality establishments. Taking inspiration from the land and its history, the highlight has to be the mesmerising £70k Lalique chandeliers which dominate the space.

“We offer whisky tastings, of course, and have a range of six Whisky Tasting Flights in the Lalique Bar giving people the opportunity to delve deep into The Glenturret expressions as well as allowing rare access to our ‘new make’ spirit and historic bottlings. And for those who think whisky may not be for them, the Glenfizz – one of a range of specially crafted cocktails – is certain to make you think twice.”

The jewel in the crown though, will be the Lalique Whisky Bar, a beautifully crafted six meter-long bar housing the finest whiskies in Scotland from both inside and outside the Glenturret archive.

“We’re looking at how to engage people in the art of whisky drinking and tasting.

To learn more about the distillery and its history, to book a tour or a table, or to join the Glenturret Guild, visit: www.theglenturret.com

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FEATURE

Make a Location Statement with an HQ in Perth In a post-lockdown world, does your HQ real estate really need to remain in the largest city centres?

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s the workforce of the world beds into the new rules of hybrid working between home and office, and the need to cut our corporate carbon footprint becomes increasingly urgent, the question surrounding the financial and environmental economies of a head office base has never been more pertinent.

Arguably, every company needs a base.

If lockdown has taught us anything it’s that working in a silo only sustains a workforce for so long. Industry thrives and grows on the personal relationships and the nurturing of human capital that happens best in close proximity.

While it has become clear that we can do things differently, and that a flexible approach to work and life can improve efficiencies, studies have also shown that for some the social disconnect over an extended period could impact on mental wellbeing and productivity in the future – especially among those people who thrive on interacting with colleagues and clients to swap and shape ideas.

Carbon Financial Partners Ltd is one of the UK’s leading independent financial planning firms. An award-winning business with offices in various Scottish cities and a fast-expanding London presence.

Operations Director for the company, Shireen Fernie (right), commented, “People don’t miss the commute, but they have felt the loss of working relationships and external stimuli. It’s the chance conversations, listening to different people with different experiences, the exposure to new ideas and the small snippets of information we pick up as part of the working day

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Gordon Wilson, Managing Director for Carbon Financial explains his decision to base their HQ in Perth: “The business has expanded considerably over the last decade and we now have a 40-strong office presence in Perth, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow and London to handle our clients’ financial affairs.

Recently, we were casting around for new and easily accessible premises

that we have missed acutely. Covid has shown that it’s time to embrace a new, hybrid model that works for everyone.”

One solution that could satisfy all parties is to reconsider the location of a business’s head office. Traditionally, headquarters are based in large urban centres, usually at the end of a stressful commute for management and workers.

As businesses look to re-evaluate which components of their operation are necessary to produce a healthy bottom line and a happy, productive workforce, the age-old question of location, location, location has been pushed under the microscope. The question now is: are you really in the best place you could be?

but there was never any question of moving our headquarters from Perth.

“Being so central, with easy access to the roads network, was key to our original decision to base the company in Perth. It remains a great location. We are delighted to relocate to offices in the Whitefriars Business Park, which has already attracted a number of local, regional and national businesses.”

Key Benefits of Choosing Perth Connectivity

Workforce Experience

Increasingly, all businesses require quick, reliable routes for both operational logistics and ease of commuter movement. Perth offers unrivalled links by road, air, rail and sea and it is widely acknowledged that the area is a strategic hub in the Scottish transport network.

Principal road routes connecting the central belt to north and north-east Scotland converge here and this infrastructure is currently undergoing major improvements as part of the Perth Transport Futures Project.

Value for Money

From one of the lowest commute times of any Scottish city, to exceptional schools, a fantastic outdoor playground and multiple cultural venues, Perth offers quality of life for all ages.

Access to a Talent Pool

Property will be one of the most significant costs on your balance sheet. In Perth and Kinross, the cost of commercial land and property, and the associated business rates, is significantly lower than its Edinburgh comparatives, just 45 minutes away.

Quality and choice though remain high; an excellent example is the 9000m2 at Pitheavlis (see back page) offering flexible office space with on-site solar energy generation, landscaped grounds and amenities such as a café, gym and public courtyard.

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From time spent in the commute to where you walk at lunchtime, the cost of buying a home to how your free time is spent, your business location impacts significantly on the lifestyle of your head office workforce.

When it comes to attracting the right people, geographical location cannot be underestimated and Perth’s exceptional situation places it within an hour’s drive of 75% of the Scottish population.

Based in the heart of the Tay Cities region, Perth has access to a stream of talent from Perth College UHI, Abertay University, University of Dundee and University of St Andrews. As well as this, the area benefits from several skills academies and employability support services.

The Invest in Perth team is partnered with multiple property agents to assist investors and developers seeking to relocate to our region.

Our collaborative method of working encourages enterprise and innovation throughout the region and promises interested investors and large multi-nationals a partner dedicated to providing: • • • • •

Property advice and assistance with site location Support in applications for development and planning Guidance on investment incentives and funding Access to talent pools and the local skills base Introductions to relevant partners and enterprise networks

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FEATURE

© Marysia Macfarlane

Making an Attractive Investment The first of Perth’s £65m city centre regeneration projects has launched, with further developments underway.

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recent study1 looking at the relationship between a city’s beauty and key growth indicators illustrated the concept of ‘the beauty premium’ in relation to the creation of employment opportunities and a city’s appeal to new residents.

The study examined the link between the perceived attractiveness of amenities such as parks, landmarks and tourist attractions and compared the results with population growth figures and urban regeneration.

The results show that cities perceived as twice as attractive as others experienced more than 10% additional population growth and employment opportunities. Of those people drawn to picturesque urban centres, a higher proportion were college graduates, high-skilled workers and large employers.

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And while Perth enjoys an unrivalled natural environment, with the River Tay, Kinnoull Hill and large green city centre spaces, the study showed that this does not necessarily make a city more appealing for people to live in.

The £2.2 million project has transformed the old church into a unique, outdoor performance space Investment in parks, museums, landmarks and historic spaces increases urban beautification, which draws in more affluent residents, raises the area’s profile and attracts a high volume of visitors and new residents.

Perth and Kinross Council has made a commitment to invest £50 million in city centre developments over the next five years including the much anticipated £26m City Hall project.

The first of these, St Paul’s Church, came to fruition in July 2021 when the iconic bell rang for the first time in more than three decades.

Perth and Kinross Council stepped in to rescue the building in 2017 after it had fallen into disrepair and previous schemes to bring it back into public use had fallen by the wayside.

Situated in a prime spot on Perth’s Old High Street, the £2.2 million project has transformed the old church into a unique, outdoor performance space, complementing existing, nearby venues such as Perth Theatre and Horsecross Plaza.

The design has retained the 1807 building’s octagonal shape and church steeple and has seen the restoration of features such as the crenelated wall head and bartizans – the corner turrets – as well as the original bell.

All stonework and rendered panelling infills required the use of lime mortar in accordance with Historic Environment Scotland guidelines.

Kirk Stewart, Managing Director of RDA Architects in Perth commented: “PKC appointed us in 2017 as the Conservation Architect for the project to design and oversee proposals to prevent the complete loss of this architectural heritage and re-engage St Paul’s with the public.

“The approach was to secure a longterm future for the neglected former landmark, striving to re-engage it as a focal point to the High Street rather than a safety concern and ‘eyesore’ as it has been viewed for too many years.

“The design solution reflects the building’s history as a public asset, responding to its 30-year vacancy and lack of access by making a bold statement to the public, allowing them to regain ‘ownership’ in efforts to enliven this part of the city.

“The proposal also allows for reroofing the space in future should market conditions allow. The resultant space has certainly fulfilled everyone’s expectations.”

St Paul’s will play an integral part in the city’s festive celebrations for 2021, playing host to dance displays, falconry and a series of silent discos.

As an open-air venue, it is anticipated it will become a hub for year-round events both during the day and into the evening, with the space suitable for everything from concerts to markets.

To enquire about hiring this unique space contact the Place Development team at PKC. placedevelopment@pkc.gov.uk 1. “Beautiful city: Leisure amenities and urban growth” Gerald A. Carlino, Albert Saiz, Journal of Regional Science, Volume 59, Issue 3, 01 April 2019

Private Sector Investment

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hen Salmoni Opticians marked its 50th anniversary by relocating to state-of-the-art premises in the heart of Perth, director and experienced optometrist Eddie Russell also had an eye on the future.

Technological advances have been transforming eye care and the experienced optometrist was determined to future-proof the £1.4 million investment which has transformed one-time Clydesdale Bank offices in the city’s South Methven Street, just 100 metres from the newly transformed St Paul’s.

“We can also offer clients an enhanced eye care package using the non-invasive Optical Coherence Tomography 3D scanner installed in each of our consulting rooms.

“In addition, the groundbreaking Optomap imaging system, which was invented in Dunfermline and is now in use around the world, captures more than 80% of the retina, whereas traditional methods reveal only 1015%.”

Salmoni Opticians enjoys a tight grip on the quality control process by crafting their lenses in-house.

With fully-fitted consulting rooms, a £400,000 budget has ensured clients enjoy access to the most upto-date equipment on the market.

“Sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint will certainly be enhanced by the move to the new premises.

“While we are harnessing technology to improve the all-round service we offer for regular eye tests and fitting spectacles and contact lenses, the latest computerised equipment will provide additional reassurance when it comes to the early detection of potential eye issues, such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes and age-related macular degeneration,” explained Eddie.

“In addition to ensuring we retained full quality control, we took the decision to invest heavily in a lab which recycles and filters water.

“From an innovation perspective, this is absolutely cutting edge.

Prescriptions are much more accurate and can be carried out physically distanced.

“It means we will be using only a fraction of the volume of water that we would otherwise be requiring – and that also translates into savings for our clients.”

“The Neptune Tank that has been installed will cut down dramatically on the amount of water which lab technician and dispensing optician Roderick Foster uses crafting our own lenses in-house.

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The Future of Tourism in Perthshire An ambitious action plan for recovery lays out the area’s objectives for 2022 and beyond.

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erthshire’s tourism industry has joined forces with VisitScotland, Perth and Kinross Council and other leading stakeholders to produce a new tourism action plan which runs until 2025. Setting out Perthshire’s ambition to becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination in Scotland, the publication recognises that the tremendous challenges faced by the sector continue and focuses on medium-term objectives to provide direction.

The overarching objectives aim to build on the past success of the region and to reinforce Perthshire’s position as a well-established and much loved destination – as well as reigniting it as a key contributor to the local and national economy.

The recently launched ‘Perthshire Talks Tourism’ series is already underway, bringing a series of webinars from local tourism associations and businesses focused on what is happening in the area. In addition, a successful application to the Destination & Sector Marketing Fund has resulted in a £70k budget to deliver an autumnwinter digital marketing campaign for Perthshire and Kinross.

Perthshire Tourism Partnership – a working group of industry representatives, Perth & Kinross

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Council and VisitScotland – has developed the plan which had originally been developed for launch in spring 2020. The strategy and action plan has since been reviewed to take account of the challenges now faced post-lockdown.

Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said: “The resilience of the tourism industry during unprecedented times has been hugely impressive. Businesses have adapted their operations to accommodate new ways of working to keep their visitors, staff and the local community safe.

“It is essential that VisitScotland continues to work closely with partners across the tourism and events industry and throughout the community to provide a source of guidance and support, which is set out in the Perthshire Tourism Action Plan.

“It is critical that we all get out there and enjoy our incredible country with all it has to offer responsibly, as with the right support, tourism and events can lead the economic recovery.

“After all, tourism is a force for good – creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and enhancing the wellbeing of everyone who experiences it.”

The four objectives of the Tourism Action Plan focus on: 1. Restoring the value of tourism to pre-covid-19 levels, with a particular focus on extending the season for year-round visits 2. Establishing Perthshire as a leading responsible tourism destination by encouraging responsible business practices, low impact activities and communitysupported developments 3. Ensuring that the impact and benefits of tourism are felt across Perthshire’s communities with a bottomup approach through the network of local tourism associations and sector groups 4. Making sure that Perthshire is a ‘digitally discoverable’ destination, so it is visible online as a responsible place to visit.

£70K Investment in Promoting Perthshire Breaks

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s the global community adapts to life during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, new and different consumer behaviours and expectations are developing.

One important change for the tourism industry is a move towards localism and the unique identity of a destination.

What was at first inflicted upon residents through travel restrictions, both nationally and internationally, has developed into a passion to support their own communities and small businesses, and those of the places they visit – identified as the localism trend. © Daniel Giza

In summer 2021, VisitScotland launched a £3 million Destination & Sector Marketing Fund to encourage the development of strong visitor propositions reflective of identified post-Covid-19 trends. By collectively marketing visitor experiences aligned to these trends, the aim is to ensure a sustainable recovery going forward.

From January to March 2022, the aim is to galvanise the wins already made by expanding into activity providers and the outdoors, reinforcing the CityPlus message and the four key areas of Sustainable and Selective, Quality over Quantity, Diversity of the Region and The Personal Touch.

As part of the new Tourism Action Plan, a £70,000 funding award has been secured, with investment in content creation and a digital media campaign aimed at driving short breaks and day visits in the shoulder months now underway. The proposed CityPlus campaign will build on the successful summer 2021 ‘Be Inspired’ message.

Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, commented on the upcoming campaign which is being created and delivered by the Tourism & Place Team at PKC. “Perthshire is the perfect location to showcase a modern, connected Scotland at an easy pace through the memorable experiences on offer.

“PKC’s campaign for early 2022 will focus on Everything Outdoors, with links to artisanal food and drink, another of the key trends identified by our team at VisitScotland.

“The overarching strengths of the Be Inspired Perthshire proposition dovetail neatly with the National Scotland Outlook 2030 strategy and I’m delighted to see the Loved By Locals narrative expanded as we enter Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.”

© Daniel Giza

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Building Skills for the Talent Pool The Young Person’s Guarantee, an employer recruitment incentive, is now well underway in Perth, placing young people into real jobs.

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n February 2020, the Scottish Government published their No One Left Behind action plan that outlined the strategy for a fairer, more inclusive approach to the design and delivery of employability services.

Promoting a partnership approach that would see government and local authorities working more collaboratively with private and third sectors, the strategy aims to identify local needs and to ensure decisions around employability services are evidence-based and can be customised to meet any emerging demands at a local level.

An important aspect of the strategy is the ongoing support of unemployed young people and the provision of opportunities to incentivise and assist employers in creating sustainable employment for this important group.

Launched in direct response to the pandemic, the Young Person’s Guarantee (YPG) is one such incentive, encouraging employers to recruit individuals aged 16–24 by providing a financial contribution to the additional costs of recruiting and sustaining jobs, training, and skills.

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Working with both job seekers and employers, the Skills and Employment Initiatives Team in Perth and Kinross has been instrumental in the rollout of this initiative in the area.

Sarah Webster works as an Employment Support Advisor for YPG and has been impressed at the benefits of the scheme for both employer and young person.

She commented, “We know that there are a number of young people who face additional barriers to employment. It might be that they are from rural areas and find travel to be an issue, they might come from a jobless household or an employment-deprived area or could simply be at risk of finding themselves not in employment, education or training in the long term.

“The YPG incentive strives to eliminate youth unemployment by offering employers up to £6,500 to provide young people with the chance to flourish and show their talents through employment supported by our funding. The key aim is to encourage employers to provide young people with meaningful and sustainable employment, which also includes Modern Apprenticeships.

“For the young person, these newly created posts must be made available for at least 26 weeks, giving them a real opportunity to build skills and experience and, hopefully, leading them to a permanent role.

“As well as the above funding, we can also offer an extra £1,500 which can be accessed by means of a Training Grant to fund additional costs such as training and employability support, IT equipment and software or uniform or personal protective equipment.”

Since the scheme was launched in November 2020, Sarah and the team have signed on 34 employers, assisting them in creating new positions and placing suitable candidates.

The positions are shared with partners and colleagues, as well as with other agencies such as Skills Development Scotland, Barnardo’s, the Job Centre and the Developing the Young Workforce initiative. By casting the net far and wide, the team can ensure the right candidate is placed, ensuring a quality match and long-term success.

To find out more, contact: YPG@pkc.gov.uk or call: 07787 220086.

Case Study: Voyager CBD

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stablished in 2020 during lockdown, Voyager is a supplier of health and wellness products derived from hemp, including CBD and hemp seed oil. Launched as an international online platform with a head office base in Perth, the company has grown rapidly, including the opening of its first retail premises, with more planned before the end of the year.

Bronte McCullie, Business Development Assistant

Heather Maycock, Digital Marketing Assistant

“I had found out about the company first and wrote a letter to Nick introducing myself. At the time, I was working in landlord services at SSE, managing invoices. I wanted to find something that would hold my interest and give me opportunities for the future.

“I started with Voyager in January 2021 as a Digital Marketing Assistant. This has been my first job since leaving fulltime education – I had just completed an English Degree – and I was surprised to find such a good quality position as part of a job scheme.

Voyager’s philosophy of plant-based alternatives is embodied in its mission statement and hashtag of “Choose you”. With an experienced team and a product line created in line with the UK’s regulatory regime, Voyager aims to become the trusted brand in this increasingly popular health and wellness space. Voyager now employs 17 people, two of whom are on the YPG scheme:

“When I spoke to Nick, he explained he could offer me a full-time position as part of the YPG scheme. The role is so interesting; as an account manager, I do a bit of everything – invoices, orders, looking at new products, working with new suppliers – and I’ve learned so much. I’d encourage anyone looking for a change in direction to connect with this scheme. It offers real opportunities for personal growth and development in the workplace.”

“For me, the appeal was the transparency of the position. It’s tough when you’re competing alongside people who have years of experience; this initiative levels the playing field and because of that I had more confidence in applying. A number of positions right now are unpaid or voluntary whereas this is a proper job within a proper working environment.”

Nick Tulloch, Business Owner “When we launched in November 2020, it was always my ambition to expand rapidly. Knowing that recruitment and wages would be the most expensive overhead, I decided to talk to Perth and Kinross Council with a view to offering employment for young people who may otherwise struggle to find work.

“The main benefit to me was the funding. It gave me the confidence to recruit at a faster pace. The scheme is structured in such a way that it is frontloaded, and this offered additional value to my recruitment and retention process.

“At the time, we had one other parttimer, so YPG essentially allowed me to double my workforce. From this position of increased productivity, we were able to double again within a short space of time and it was at this point I recruited my second YPG candidate.

“The team is now 17-strong, and we simply couldn’t have grown in such a short space of time without the support of this incentive. Both young people I’ve employed have shown real enthusiasm and commitment to learning and, in fact, as we look towards the next stage of our development, I intend to sign up a third candidate.”

Is Your Business Currently Recruiting?

Employers are being given an added incentive to help young people find sustainable employment through Scottish Government's No One Left Behind Employer Recruitment Incentive.

Funding can be utilised in a number of ways including additional supervisory costs, training, initial travel to work costs or wages.

The aim is to encourage employers to recruit individuals aged 16 - 24 into the workplace, including Modern Apprenticeships.

How Does the Young Person’s Guarantee Scheme Work?

Where an employer can offer a young person aged 16-24 with meaningful employment for at least 26 weeks and at least 30 hours of work per week, a payment of up to £6,500 is available (subject to employee earnings).

Timeline for release of funding to employers is as follows: •

at 4 weeks (up to £1,000) – no payment for less than 4 weeks

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at 13 weeks (up to £2,000) – no pro rata payment between 4-13 weeks

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at 26 weeks (up to £3,500) – no pro rata payment between 13-26 weeks

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© Fraser Band

WHY CHOOSE PERTH?

Vicki Unite: Why Perth Works For Me Chief Executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, Vicki Unite, talks about recovery, resilience and why she chose Perth as home.

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icki Unite has held the position of Chief Executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce since July 2006, placing her in the frontline of local business, strategic developments and economic influence for over 15 years.

Her career started at Reuters in London and she then moved to the online trading arm of global financial services giant J P Morgan Chase. In the past 18 months she has worked alongside her peers on the Covid-19 Perth and Kinross Task Force to create the Economic Wellbeing plan, the strategic route to local recovery, postlockdown.

What is the most significant change you’ve experienced in your time as Chief Exec at Perthshire Chamber?

I’d have to say lockdown. There is very little that comes close to the devastation and impact that the pandemic has had on business. From small sole traders to global organisations, everyone has been affected.

Through my work at the Chamber and as a member of the Taskforce I talked to hundreds of business owners first-hand who were genuinely worried about their chances of survival. Preparing people for downsizing, redundancies and the threat of closure all became a daily occurrence.

Of course, there were also businesses that were in a position to seize opportunities presented and through schemes such as Kickstart we looked towards supporting growth too.

What do you consider the area’s biggest strength as we look towards recovery?

Our people and the power of everyone working 30

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together. I think Perth offers many benefits but when you boil it down it is the collective wealth of expertise, experiences, skills and knowledge, coupled with a desire to help others that really makes us stand out. I am forever amazed and inspired by the passion, creativity, grit and innovation demonstrated by our business community and it is something we should be very proud of.

I also find that companies of all sizes are willing to step forward in their support of one another.

If there is one positive to be taken from the pandemic, then it’s that.

How would you like to see that support in Perth and Kinross continue?

I’d like to see inclusivity become a larger part of the discussion. When we were talking to people during lockdown, I heard stories about small business owners using foodbanks and going through sleepless nights worrying about their house being repossessed.

Alongside this, through our work with Developing the Young Workforce and more recently with the DWP through Kickstart, I see inequalities in the opportunities on offer for both young people and older people. Not only is it a matter of fairness, but from an economic point of view, there are significant benefits to be gained from a skilled workforce and a wellbalanced society.

Along with our partners we are trying to bridge the gap between those looking for work and the businesses crying out for employees so they can grow capacity and keep up with demand.

It is really sad to see companies turn away business because of a lack of staff, especially after such a devastating 18 months.

The pandemic also highlighted the importance of digital connectivity and the Chamber and its partners continue to champion improvements so that all businesses, but especially those in our rural areas, can compete fairly.

Finally, why have you chosen Perth as your home and place to grow your career?

I was born in Perth but like many young people, I moved away to experience other places, to study and work in the UK and abroad before returning home – and I was so pleased to return with a better understanding of what was on my own doorstep. It has a real pull, a draw, because it offers a way of life unlike anywhere else.

From a business point of view our size and location lend themselves to adaptation and evolution and we’re so well connected it is easy for businesses to locate here and stay in touch with the world.

We have all the trappings of a big city: great eateries, culture, sports, gorgeous shops and lovely neighbourhoods. But on top of that we have these big green spaces and access to the countryside right on our doorstep. I think we still have so much potential, and we can realise this by continuing to pull together.

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce is currently working on a new international base for trade and is developing new ways of harnessing the value of its local network to bring benefit and added support to its 400-strong membership base. To find out more visit: perthshirechamber.co.uk To read Vicki’s full interview, please see InvestInPerth.co.uk

WE N ED YOU

An i v tation to join eP rth Ambassadors The Perth Ambassadors programme is now open for applications from senior business leaders and key decision makers working within Perth and the wider region.

Born out of the success of the private sector-led City Development board, the programme’s ambitious key objective is to maximise inward investment opportunities through the use of a single, positive narrative - the Story of Perth.

By joining the Perth Ambassadors Programme today you will become one of the first contributors to shape this new and exciting period, helping to raise the profile of the city, and its best business minds, on the national and international investment stage.

perthambassadors.co.uk

Pitheavlis PERTH PH2 0NH

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VIEWING & FURTHER INFO

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