THE DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
AGGREKO
Groundbreaking at Lomondgate
ISSUE 9 • AUG 2010
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Contents From the Editor............................... 4 Meet the Board............................... 4 AGM report...................................... 5 Glasgow 2014................................. 5 News in Brief...............................6-9 The Business Beat........................ 11 Money Matters.............................12 Legal Matters................................13 Schools Triumph....................16-18 Cover Story New Aggreko Site........................19
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‘There’s Been A Murder’.............19 Beardmore’s Winning Streak....20 Kirky Canal Festival.....................21
Business Needs Action Now!
Annual Dinner Diary Date..........21 Opportunities for Growth...24-25 Clyde-Built Walking Tours.........26 Training Grant Aid........................26 Emergency Budget.......................27
to ensure that we get the best of whatever is available. Jobs and growth are our first priority.
Well now we know! I trust this coalition will knuckle down very quickly to ensure that the business world gets the support it deserves. All we ask is that the banks and other financial institutions treat us fairly and are made to do so by the Government.
Very sincere congratulations to Lord John McFall of Alcluith on his elevation to the House of Lords. John was a tremendous MP for many years and served the people of West Dunbartonshire well. It is a fitting tribute for a hard working politician.
Diamond Child Care....................33
John has supported this chamber and its predecessor for many, many, years and I am delighted to announce that he has agreed to become an adviser to the Chamber in the future. I know that John has very firm views on the banking system and the news that he has joined a group interested in creating a new banking organisation is good for our members.
French Connection.......................38
welcome
In the last issue I wondered who would be running the country post election.
No more shilly shallying, Messrs Cameron and Clegg, you must act and quickly. Unless you take the business community with you there is every possibility that we could end up back in recession again. SME’s can bring this country back into growth but to do so they MUST know that they have the backing of the Government. We need more than promises, we need action and fast action at that. Dunbartonshire is now represented by the fairer sex, Jo Swinson in the East and Gemma Doyle in the West. Sincere congratulations to you both. Our President Robert Wilson and I have already met with Jo and have set up quarterly review meetings to keep in touch with the issues of the day. Jo has been appointed PPS to Vince Cable and it is good to have one of our representatives so close to the hub of things. I hope to meet with Gemma in the near future to discuss local issues. I look forward to working very closely with them both and they know that this chamber will be hassling them
Finally, it is wonderful to see that work has commenced on the new Aggreko site and the Lomondgate project is beginning to take shape in the form of the hotel and its support systems. I know this will encourage others to move forward now.
Tell Training Success...................29 Milngavie Book Festival.............31 Benefits of a Virtual Office........33 Jo Swinson MP..............................34 Gemma Doyle MP........................35 Tissue Solutions............................35 Tourism Round-Up.......................37 Benefits of Chamber Membership...................................42 New and Renewing Members.........................................43 Member-to-Member Offers/ Discounts/Services................44-45 Events Diary...................................46 Cover photo courtesy of Aggreko - Lord John McFall congratulates Aggreko CEO Rupert Soames at the groundbreaking ceremony.
For advertising contact D-Tech: T: 01436 821438 E: sales@incommerce.biz For editorial contact editor: June Hyslop T: 07944 265126 E: editor@incommerce.biz Publisher: Mark Ferguson Distribution: D-Tech Distribution
John Corcoran Chief Executive Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce www.dunbartonshirechamber.com www.incommerce.biz
INCOMMERCE is published by D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd. Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club, Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8NG. Telephone 01436 821501. Fax 01436 820028. E-mail: info@dtechuk.com. Edited by June Hyslop, Copywrite Editorial, Dumbarton. Telephone 07944 265126. E-mail: editor@incommerce.biz. INCOMMERCE is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed nor copied wholly or in part without the written permission of the publishers. The proprietors of this magazine are publishers and not agents, or sub-agents of those who advertise therein. They cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information contained within this publication. The views expressed by authors of articles published in this magazine are solely those of the author and are not necessarily the views of or shared by the editor, the publisher or the directors, shareholders and/or employees of D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd or Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce.
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Meet the Board
Profile Gordon Paterson
DUNBARTONSHIRE Chamber of Commerce is committed to representing the views of its members, to lobbying at both local and national levels and to highlighting the key issues for business in Dunbartonshire.
Principal and Chief Executive of Clydebank College Name: Gordon Paterson Occupation: Principal and Chief Executive of Clydebank College
There are 15 members of the Board of Directors and in this issue we profile Gordon Paterson.
Where are you based?: Clydebank College – in our new purpose built estate at Queens’ Quay.
From the Editor
ANATOLE France was a poet and a journalist who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1921 so I reckon he knew a thing or two about education and writing. When I was a student, the nature of my course meant I had to commit a great deal to memory. I spent a lot of time rote learning and falling asleep in the library.
When I became a university lecturer, my students made me realise how little I really knew despite my qualifications. Sometimes people who don’t know much about a subject can ask the most searching and difficult questions and I would often burn the midnight oil to find the answers in time for my next lesson. I learned more about the subject by teaching it than I ever did as a student and I realised then there was a lot I didn’t know and never would. A teacher is not and should not be the fount of all knowledge but a facilitator, someone who asks the right questions and gives their students the means to find the answers for themselves. That’s the key to successful lifelong learning. I make no apologies for education and the achievements of pupils and staff at schools in East and West Dunbartonshire featuring again in this magazine. Just before going to press, Kai Karlsen called to tell me that Dumbarton Academy pupils were runners-up in the HSBC Young Enterprise Innovation Awards. Like me, West Dunbartonshire’s Economic Development Officer and chamber adviser, was delighted at the news. What a great achievement for the pupils, the staff and the school. Their counterparts in East Dunbartonshire have been very successful too. Six schools have won Social Enterprise Awards while some of the teachers who make such activities possible have themselves been recognised by the General Teaching Council. On top of that, Bishopbriggs Academy scooped first prize for enterprise and employability at the Scottish Education Awards, while Brucehill Nursery in Dumbarton triumphed in the literacy and numeracy category. You can read all about it on pages 16 to 18.
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Photo courtesy of Clydebank College.
Meet the Board
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“An education isn’t how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It’s being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don’t.” Anatole France.
How long have you worked there? Since March 1986, when I arrived as a lecturer in physics and maths.
What, briefly, do you do? I am responsible for the executive management of the college and ensuring we realise our corporate goals. I am accountable to the Board of Governors who set our strategic direction. What was your first job? My first ‘real’ job was as an assistant science officer with the UK Atomic Energy Authority at Aldermaston. The work was ok but the pace was too slow. I was always looking for something else. When and why did you join the Chamber of Commerce? Clydebank College has been a member of the chamber for many years. As well as being a major employer in Dunbartonshire, the college has a significant strategic role to play when it comes to local economic and social regeneration and supporting the chamber is central to that. How long have you been on the board? I became principal of Clydebank College in December 2007 and a director of the chamber last year. What does being a board member involve? It’s about actively supporting the business community throughout Dunbartonshire. An effective board member has to be dynamic, forward thinking and fully committed. What is your greatest achievement to date? At work, becoming principal of Clydebank College. Outside work, it has to be producing three of the best children anyone could wish for. They never cease to amaze me and make me so proud. Who would you most like to meet and why? Sir Ranulph Fiennes. I heard him speak at a dinner and was blown away. Born in Glasgow, failed by the school system, failed to achieve his early ambitions in the army, yet went on to become the world’s greatest living explorer. His books about his life and expeditions are inspirational. What do you do to relax? Anything that gets the adrenaline pumping. I ski, scuba dive and love cruising on my Harley at weekends.
AGM Report
Photo by Emma Latham TCB Photography
Tough Times Ahead for Chamber
BREAKING down barriers and giving smaller businesses a chance to bid for Commonwealth Games contracts were key themes when InCommerce columnist Mike Haggerty spoke to David Brown, Procurement Manager for Glasgow 2014.
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WE NEED YOU SAYS PROCUREMENT SUPREMO THE message for Scottish businesses was strong and encouraging: “We need almost as much as you can imagine in terms of goods and services and we don’t pretend to have 100 per cent knowledge of every form of market,” said David. “We know we need to deliver the Games, but we don’t know every single input, so if people have a good idea about how to deliver certain aspects, they should get in touch.”
CHAMBER AGM: CEO John Corcoran and President Robert Wilson (front) with board members.
IT has been a difficult year for Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Corcoran told members at the AGM in May. Despite this he categorically assured members that the board of directors had not considered raising fees and had no intention of doing so. He thanked the directors for their efforts over the past year but warned that everyone would have to ‘go the extra mile’ in the next 12 months. He reported that, like everyone else, the chamber has had a tough time financially and had lost a significant part of its income. Whilst West Dunbartonshire Council had agreed to continue its Service Level Agreement with the chamber, its East Dunbartonshire counterpart had not. He explained that this would have a twofold effect. Firstly it removed a major link between businesses and the local authority in the East Dunbartonshire area. Secondly, the loss of income was a severe financial blow to the chamber itself and would have a considerable impact over the next twelve months. This leaves the chamber with a funding gap to fill and the board will be looking at options such as sponsorship, membership drives etc to boost its income. He was pleased to report that, despite the recession, membership was holding up reasonably well. Whilst it was down on the previous year, it had not suffered as much as it might have given the economic climate. Finally, he appealed to members to attend events before thanking Viking Business Services for its help with the administrative work of the chamber and President Robert Wilson, all the directors and advisers for their support.
He is aware that, for some, public sector procurement arrangements can be daunting: “It’s a common criticism of public sector procurement that it is overly bureaucratic, that it doesn’t fit for SMEs, but we’ve tried to break down those barriers to make sure that we package our requirements appropriately - within the guidelines of the regulations, of course. We want to give smaller businesses the chance to compete.” “This makes our work harder in terms of tendering,” he acknowledges, “but our key priority is to make sure that we don’t unnecessarily preclude businesses. If you’re a sole trader and you work from home, you don’t need a fire safety procedure, so why should we ask for one?” As an example of how it can work, David cites the recently-announced contract to supply souvenir pin badges, awarded to Glasgow-based Ross Promotional Products. “Products like these are often bundled in a way that puts them out of the reach of some companies that are perfectly capable of delivering. “Ross Promotional Products won the business because they represented the best value proposition for what we needed to do.” He added: “We will require almost everything you can imagine – from water to medical supplies. It’s important that smaller suppliers understand that while a lot of second or third tier contracts may be beyond their reach, they can see who’s been awarded what via the electronic portal and can start to make contact.” Games procurement is being handled electronically at www.glasgow. gov.uk/glasgow2014businessportal. There’s also an increasing amount of information which could lead to business opportunities on the main website www.glasgow2014.com.
The chamber accounts for 18 months to 31 March 2010 were presented by director Fraser Campbell who reported that, although the chamber had broadly broken even, this was well down on last year’s figure. He predicted that the next 12 months would be challenging and also urged members to support chamber commercial activities. Four directors were re-appointed to the board – Gary Groves, Keith Underhill, Fraser Campbell and Robert Wilson. Damon Scott was confirmed as vice president for a further year and it was agreed that Robert Wilson would stay on as president. 5
Photos by Xpressphoto – www.xpressphoto.co.uk
news in brief… HIGH FLYERS: Colin Abercrombie, Stuart Easton, Russell Leitch, Jillian Stark and Nicola Montgomery.
ACCOUNTANTS’ CHARITY ZIP SLIDE ZIP sliding across the River Clyde is just one of the ways chartered accountants Abercrombie Gemmell have raised funds for The Beatson Pebble Appeal. In just six months the Bearsden-based business is almost halfway towards its £10,000 target thanks to the generous support of clients, friends and family.
that cause the most deaths in Glasgow such as breast, prostate, ovarian and lung. Abercrombie Gemmell selects a different charity to partner every year and the Beatson Pebble Appeal was this year’s clear favourite. Staff have already taken part in a fun run and have plans for a quiz night, a cycle round Millport and a charity dinner later this year.
Taking part in the 140 feet high zip slide challenge were Colin Abercrombie, Stuart Easton, Russell Leitch, Jillian Stark and Nicola Montgomery who all received a certificate to commemorate their bravery. The Pebble Appeal hopes to raise £10 million to build the Beatson Translational Research Centre, which will cover all cancers, including those
Managing director Colin Abercrombie explained: “We wanted to partner a local charity and, being based less than a mile from our office, it doesn’t get much more local than the Beatson! More than that, we are very proud to be raising funds for such an important cause, one which touches the lives of so many in this part of the world.” AIRBORNE: Nicola Montgomery on the zip slide
IMPROVEMENTS to Dumbarton town centre are set to move forward after £350,000 of regeneration funding was secured from the Scottish Government. West Dunbartonshire Council received confirmation that the Town Centre Regeneration Funding (TCRF), which had originally been allocated to revamp the Artizan Centre, can be redirected to various projects outlined in the recently produced Town Centre Improvement Plan. The plan was developed by the Dumbarton Town Centre Forum, a group of representatives from the council, Strathclyde Police, Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, community councils, MSP Jackie Baillie and members of the ‘Save Dumbarton High Street’ Facebook campaign. 6
Projects which will benefit include the refurbishment of vacant retail units to improve their appearance and attract new occupiers; marketing and promotion of local facilities and businesses; improvements to pedestrian access into the town centre; listed building enhancements to Glencairn House and the Old Academy Building; riverside enhancements and improvements to the streetscape, and planting projects. These should all be completed by the end of the year.
John Corcoran, Chief Executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’m delighted we’ve managed to secure this money and it’s hopefully going to be well spent to do something positive for the High Street.”
Photo by Kieran Chambers Photography
CASH BOOST FOR DUMBARTON TOWN CENTRE
In November 2009, the Council was awarded a total of £450,000 of TCRF for Dumbarton – £100,000 went towards lighting, CCTV, signage and car park projects, most of which are now completed. The remaining £350,000 was allocated to Artizan Centre improvements to be undertaken by owners Jermon Developments. Following Jermon’s confirmation that they would be unable to commit to the works within the required timescale, an alternative funding application and supporting information was presented to the Scottish Government in June.
TOWN CENTRE FORUM SUCCESS: Police constables John Pryde and Andrea Millen, Facebook campaigner Sharon McLeish, Councillor Ronnie McColl with Rose Harvie and Sheila Urquhart.
HEIST AWARD FOR CLYDEBANK COLLEGE The premier award for best further education prospectus in the 2010 Heist Awards for Educational Marketing has gone to Clydebank College. Clydebank, which was the only Scottish college nominated, fought off stiff competition to take the top prize. Director of Business Growth, Liz McTaggart and Business Development Manager, Pat Padden accepted the award from Dame Kelly Holmes and Heist representatives. The Heist Awards have evolved over the last 20 years to become the leading awards programme for marketing in the sector. They recognise and celebrate professionalism and innovation shown from the smallest regional college to global education brands.
Photo courtesy of Heist Awards AWARD WINNERS: Two Heist representatives with Pat Padden (centre) and Liz McTaggart (second right) of Clydebank College with Dame Kelly Holmes.
Ms McTaggart commented afterwards: “This was a great achievement, as it’s a national awards ceremony involving colleges from all over the UK with over 100 colleges/universities being shortlisted. We feel very privileged to have scooped an award in the best prospectus category, as the only Scottish college to win an award, it was extra special.” The college recently swept the board and took the top Grand Prix award at the Scottish College Marketing awards earlier this year, so this latest win was the icing on the cake.
PSYBT’S NEW REGIONAL MANAGER SHARITA Padaruth is the new regional manager for The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) in Dunbartonshire and Argyll. Sharita will support young entrepreneurs aged between 18-25 looking to establish or grow their own businesses. As well as providing advice with business plans, she will guide them through the start-up process, help them secure funding and offer aftercare support.
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In addition, Sharita and her team also look after PSYBT volunteer panel members and aftercare advisers in her area. Sharita will divide her time between the Business Gateway office in Clydebank and Lochgilphead as part of her joint remit. Originally from Paisley, where she still lives today, Sharita was Glasgow regional assistant manager for PSYBT before taking up her new post. Prior to this she was with the Department for Work and Pensions, supporting applicants through the benefit claim process. Welcoming Sharita to her new role, PSYBT Dunbartonshire regional chairman, Douglas Jackson, said: “Sharita is a welcome addition to the team. With her background and experience, I’m sure she’ll do a truly great job of encouraging and supporting young entrepreneurs across our region.”
SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURS: Sharita Padaruth
To date PSYBT has supported over 11,000 individuals to start almost 10,000 businesses and provided over £30.5 million in funding alongside a whole package of other assistance tailored to the needs of each individual. Last year, PSYBT invested £2 million in 681 young people involved in 621 businesses. 7
news in brief… Photo by Lochside Photography
Photo by GSG Energy.
more
TOP APPRENTICES: Gary Young and Russell Graham.
Babcock Apprentices ACCREDITED INSPECTOR: Michael Gribben.
NEW AIR CON REGULATIONS NEW regulations which introduce mandatory inspection of air conditioning systems are being phased in to Scotland from next year. Systems over 250kW must be examined by an accredited inspector who will report on efficiency, provide advice on the system and identify potential savings from January 2011. This will be extended to smaller systems of over 12kW from 2013. Trading standards officials will monitor the scheme and can impose large fines for non compliance as they have already done in England and Wales. It is therefore important that businesses take steps to meet the new rules now. Chamber member Michael Gribben of Clydebank-based GSG Energy is an accredited inspector and recently held a well attended seminar in Glasgow to raise awareness of the new rules: “Our main priority was to provide a quality information seminar that would allow attendees to make well informed decisions. “GSG was delighted with the turnout at the seminar and the positive comments received regarding the presentation.” www.gsgenergy.com
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NINE Babcock apprentices celebrated the end of their four year training period with a dinner for parents, family and friends at the Dumbuck House Hotel in Dumbarton. The two top apprentices singled out for special recognition for their efforts were Gary Young who was awarded the Apprentice of the Year trophy and Russell Graham who was runner-up. The other apprentices were Andrew Brown, James Dorman, Daniel Fell, Michael Guthrie, Gary McElhinney, Kevin McEwan and Calum Miller.
They all received certificates from Babcock Managing Director, Craig Lockhart who said: “It’s an honour for me to present these trophies and certificates to the apprentices who have been with us throughout their training. “They have all worked extremely hard to achieve their goal and we are very proud to have them with us at HMNB Clyde. I wish each of them well for the future in their chosen trade.” Based at HMNB Clyde, Babcock works with the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence to ensure that the naval base is operational round-the-clock 365 days a year.
ONLINE MONEY SAVING SERVICE LAUNCHED MORE than 90 per cent of food and drink businesses are concerned about the impact their energy spend has on business profitability. This figure was revealed in a survey carried out by Glasgow Caledonian University’s Sustainable Food and Drink Programme which has just launched a new free service, called Dare to Compare. It is an interactive online tool which helps small business owners reduce their energy spend by allowing them to compare their gas and electricity consumption charges with similar sized businesses. Paulo Cruz, the programme’s project manager, explained that Dare to Compare uses annual energy expenditure to produce bespoke reports showing how a business compares to similar users over time and anonymously.
“Business managers who use Dare to Compare will, for the first time, see how their energy use compares with the average for their sector and whether there are any opportunities for reducing their expenditure.” The innovative programme is an initial step to help businesses make more informed decisions about reducing costs. Whilst Dare to Compare currently has anonymous data for more than 100 restaurants, pubs and specialist food and drink retailers, Mr Cruz said that it was an equally valuable resource for businesses outwith the sector and that he hoped to be able to expand the service. To benefit from this tool check out the Dare to Compare website at www.sfd.org.uk.
SPA EMBRACES FIONA’S ORGANIC SKIN CARE RANGE REVELLERS at T in the Park enjoyed some time out from the music at premium organic spa Pure Lochside in July.
Their philosophy is to provide pure, luxury skin care that’s organic, natural, therapeutic and ethical. Fiona, who lives in Helensburgh and has a workshop there, is in business with her husband Neil. They both quit their day jobs almost three years ago to run the company which has its headquarters and treatment rooms at Finlaystone Country Estate in Langbank.
Owner Fiona Tutte and two of her staff set up their stall at the event and carried out around 200 complimentary therapeutic hand massages over the three days of the music festival. It was a change from the opulence of the exclusive Carrick Spa at Loch Lomond where Fiona recently launched her products by providing sample treatments and workshops for around 200 specially invited members and guests.
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In September, Pure Lochside will be at the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show to train on-board therapists to carry out some of their organic treatments on selected super yachts (over 24 metres) via a company called Shore Solutions.
Aromatherapist Fiona and her team explained the history and development of the business with its emphasis on plant extracts and other naturally occurring elements.
Fiona (37), who had been living in Brighton, moved to Scotland to be near family. She explained that the firm’s new website will be up and running by end of August.
The award winning spa now offers a range of Pure Lochside products and treatments like the signature hot rain shower massage, the pure radiance organic facial and the aromatic sugar body polish.
“I am very excited by this,” she said. “It will have new functions which will enable us to reach all our different customer groups – it is very sophisticated, modern and, most importantly, user friendly.” www.purelochside.com PURE PRODUCTS: Fiona Tutte of Pure Lochside.
ROWARDENNAN REFURBISHMENT NOW under new ownership, the Rowardennan Hotel at the foot of Ben Lomond has undergone a complete facelift. Experienced hotelier Ian Allison and his family bought the hotel at the start of the year and immediately embarked on a refurbishment programme of the 17 bedrooms and public areas. The hotel, on the famous West Highland Way, dates back to 1696 and is popular with hill walkers, climbers, water-sports enthusiasts and anglers. It is also in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park which attracts around 3.5m visitors a year. Ian Allison ran the Argyll and Angus Hotel on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow for 20 years before selling in 2008. The Rowardennan Hotel enjoys stunning views of Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond and the mountains to the north. On good days customers can sit outside in the beer garden and in colder weather the Bothy has real log fires. The hotel also has three five-star self-catering lodges in its grounds, its own beach, pier, slipway and boat mooring facilities. Meals are served all day and there’s usually live music on a Saturday. www.rowardennanhotel.co.uk Photos courtesy of Rowardennan Hotel.
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The Business Beat
POLICING ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR: Lomond Community Constables Paul Macbeth and Mark Gillies. Photos by Strathclyde Police.
ANTI-SOCIAL CRACK DOWN IN NATIONAL PARK EXTRA police patrols are cracking down on antisocial behaviour in Loch Lomond National Park over the summer. Street drinking in and around the retail and night time economy areas of Balloch and surrounding villages are also being targeted and visitors are being reminded that they must not drink alcohol in the park or in nearby public spaces. A 2007 bye-law makes it an offence to drink from, or possess, an open alcohol container in or around the national park. The bye-law also applies to any public area in the towns and residential districts of West Dunbartonshire. Breaching the bye-law can lead to a £60 fixed penalty ticket or a report being sent to the procurator fiscal. Communities Inspector Judy Wilson commented: “Local businesses have told us that they are concerned about the levels of drunk or disorderly behaviour in the area and are rightly concerned about how that may affect their trade.
“The relationship between alcohol abuse and violent or anti-social behaviour is well known and the byelaw is in place to give police a tool to disrupt groups drinking alcohol and reduce the problems caused by it. “I’d reassure the local business community and visitors to the area that the police will always engage with anyone seen possessing an open alcohol container and will remove it, issue a fixed penalty ticket and, if appropriate, arrest the person concerned.” “It’s important that everyone is allowed to enjoy the pubs, clubs, shops and other services within the area without feeling threatened or uncomfortable because of the behaviour of others.” Lomond and Leven’s Community Policing Teams will carry out high visibility patrols, both on foot and on bicycles, throughout the park area targeting the troublespots of Moss O’ Balloch and Balloch Road.
COMMUNITIES INSPECTOR: Judy Wilson.
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Photo by Campbell Dallas
Money Matters Survival of the Fittest INSOLVENCY practitioner, Blair Milne often sees businesses fail which need not have with better planning and tighter controls. This is more important than ever now when public sector spending is being cut to address the budget deficit. 1. Losses If there are sustained losses, cut costs and do not shirk difficult decisions which could mean the difference between survival and bankruptcy. Sell excess assets not essential to making profits.
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2. Credit control Cash really is king. Don’t work for nothing. Consider the impact on working capital. Continually review debtors and maintain contact with customers to ease cash flow.
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3. Liabilities Are liabilities increasing month to month? Negotiate time to pay where possible and talk to creditors. Receiving formal demands? Do not ignore warning letters. 4. Financial controls and reporting Are there adequate systems and procedures to monitor financial performance? Can staff produce reliable management information? Examine more than the bottom line and ensure the board is aware of and reviews performance indicators.
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5. Stock control Is the value of stock on your balance sheet realistic? Don’t overproduce or stockpile. Technological or legislative change may render stock unfit for purpose and worthless. 6. Reliance on a single customer Don’t place all your eggs in one basket. Explore new income streams and avoid reliance on one relationship.
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7. Capital Financial projections must include capital requirements. Everything costs more than you think so factor in some headroom. 8. Bank relationship Communication, reliable forecasts and up-to-date results are key. Various schemes exist which help small firms raise additional funding. Speak to your bank about them. Worried about survival? Seek urgent professional advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner who can provide suitable business turnaround solutions. Early advice and action can save a company and avoid potential personal liability for directors.
Are you fed up with your dirty carpets?
Contact Blair Milne, Director, Campbell Dallas Business Recovery and Insolvency Services on 0141 887 4141 or email blair.milne@ campbelldallas.co.uk. Campbell Dallas Campbell Dallas, a chamber partner company, is Scotland’s third largest independent firm of chartered accountants, with five offices, including one in Bearsden.
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Call Robert 07947 883374 wisaka@hotmail.co.uk 8 Macleod Crescent Helensburgh G84 9QX
McArthur Stanton
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Also, our new menu with home baking, homemade specials, breakfasts, lite bites, baked potatoes, toasties, homemade soups and much more. We now stock a lovely selection of ladies handbags at very reasonable prices, new stock coming in weekly! Our beautiful locally-made jewellery by Tricia. We will be closing later (8pm) on Friday and Saturday evenings, starting Friday 6th August so bring the family for a meal. Lots of choice for everyone! Bring your own bottle of wine (no corkage charge) Don’t forget if you need a function catered ask us for a competitive quote! call Helen on 07918 121628
Main Road, Garelochhead Tel: 01436 811344
Legal Matters
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Controversial New Licensing Laws
JOHN Gilmour, of McArthur Stanton, Solicitors, is one of only 12 Liquor Licensing Specialists accredited by the Law Society of Scotland. Here he scrutinises Scotland’s new licensing law regime. Scotland’s new licensing laws are, in certain respects, unworkable and may cause financial problems for the licensed trade. The provisions of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, which came into force in September 2009, also fail to effectively address the reality of alcohol abuse or the glorification of drinking in our culture. Both the licensed trade and the legal profession have expressed serious concerns about the new regime. McArthur Stanton has seen six clients in small rural tourist oriented premises surrender their licences rather than pay the excessive fees associated with re-applying for them. Across Scotland, 200 licensees have quit the trade for the same reasons. Over the past two-and-a-half years, it is estimated that 2800 licensed premises have closed or stopped selling alcohol in Scotland, whilst in East and West Dunbartonshire alone, there are 430 fewer licences. The new act is undoubtedly a major factor. Costs can be as high as £2000 for re-applying including a clerk’s fee of £800, plus architects’ fees for new detailed plans and extra legal costs because of the associated long, complex application forms and procedures. This has already had an adverse effect on the Scottish tourism industry which relies to a considerable degree on a vibrant licensed trade. It seems odd for the act to include a ‘duty to trade’. This means that licensed premises must remain open until their agreed closing time even if there are no customers thereby saddling the owner with staff and energy costs. A police initiated ‘test purchase’ scheme allows them to send an underage youth into licensed premises to check compliance with the under-18 rule. Initially a first failed test purchase only led to a police warning but now it can result in the more serious review hearing where suspension of the licence is possible. McArthur Stanton McArthur Stanton has offices in Dumbarton and Helensburgh offering property and letting, private client services and services to businesses including resolution of employment, debt recovery, contractual, licensing and health and safety issues. For more information call 01389 762266 or 01436 672212 or visit www.mcarthurstanton.co.uk.
McArthur Stanton
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CLYDE WATERFRONT Making Waves!
The scale, pace and diversity of its regeneration has revitalised the Clyde, creating numerous opportunities for businesses and the public to invest, locate and live! Clyde Waterfront Strategic Partnership (www.clydewaterfront.com) facilitates and promotes the Clyde’s regeneration from Glasgow via Renfrew to Dumbarton, with £3.5 billion spent or committed by the public & private sectors across 250+ projects, creating 18,000 new jobs, 8,500 new homes and 0.3m2 new commercial space to date. Clyde Waterfront’s 13 miles are sub divided into 6 key character areas, namely:Old Kilpatrick to Dumbarton – plans are being developed for West Dunbartonshire’s riverside communities including British Waterways’ Bowling Basin, Dumbarton Harbour / Town Centre and the £100m business / housing / retail development at Lomondgate, where BBC Scotland film “River City” and Aggreko are building a new manufacturing facility. Clydebank & Erskine – The 10,000 students attending the £37m Clydebank College and thousands of visitors surveying the area 150ft above Queen’s Quay from the refurbished Titan Crane, have transformed Clydebank’s waterfront. Whilst on the south bank, Erskine’s riverfront has considerable potential for future development. Renfrew Riverside & Scotstoun – Braehead, whose 100 stores and cafes attract over 20m customer visits annually, celebrated its 10th anniversary last September. Xscape boasting SNO!Zone and Kevin Keegan’s Soccer Circus, has become a hugely popular leisure destination and nearby at Ferry Village, six developers are creating a range of 2,000 new homes next to Clyde View Park. Greater Govan & Glasgow Harbour – the award winning £1.2bn Glasgow Harbour development is set to expand further with new shops, restaurants and hotels planned next to the £74m Riverside Museum which opens Spring 2011. Opposite BAE’s shipyard employs thousands
building six Type 45 destroyers and two 65,000 tonne aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy. Adjacent to the river, a £70m action plan for Govan will transform one of Glasgow’s oldest communities. Pacific Quay & SECC current projects”Pacific Quay & SECC – The digital sector is thriving in Glasgow at Pacific Quay (www.pacificquaydmq.com) with the relocation of STV and BBC Scotland into purpose built broadcasting centres and the development of Medius, The Hub and Film City, providing space for Creative SMEs – linked to the city centre by the Clyde Arc “Squinty” bridge. Opposite a new 12,500 seat SECC National Arena will open in 2013, reinforcing the area as a world class entertainment and conference venue. Glasgow City Centre – Glasgow’s International Financial Services District (www.ifsdglasgow.co.uk) has attracted +£1 billion of investment to date, with employers like Aon, AXA, Barclays, beCogent, BNP Paribas, esure, First Data, HSBC, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, National Australia Group, Norwich Union, RBS and Santander, creating thousands of new jobs. New tenants, the Tradeston “Squiggly” bridge and exciting plans for the Broomielaw, all add fresh impetus. Education: - Our innovative on line resource (www.clydewaterfronteducation.com) offers teachers 200 free lesson plans linking 12 Clyde themes with 8 subjects as part of the Curriculum for Excellence and we continue to sponsor Clyde Cruises’ “Classroom on the Clyde” school trips between SECC and Clydebank, to help young people become even more enterprising and successful. Tourism: many thousands of locals and tourists visit the Clyde now to experience its regeneration and heritage prompted by our advertising and Heritage Guide booklet (www.clydewaterfrontheritage.com) New in 2010, Clyde Waterfront and Glasgow City Council sponsored and promoted Clyde Cruises’ River Link waterbus / Sightseeing trips between the Broomielaw, PQ, Braehead and Clydebank, to compliment Seaforce powerboat rides and The Waverley Paddle Steamer. The regeneration of Clyde Waterfront is making the most of its skilled workforce, excellent communications and new infrastructure to develop a vibrant and thriving waterfront location that appeals to business and communities alike!
CONTACT:
Clyde Waterfront, Atrium Court, 50 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6HQ 0141 229 5423 or www.clydewaterfront.com/dcc
Braeholm Accommodation and Conference Centre
RSR Braeholm
31 East Montrose Street, Helensburgh Tel: 01436 671880
Email Braeholm@rsr.org.uk www.braeholm.org.uk
• Superb conference facilities • Two conference rooms and several meeting rooms seating up to 40 people available at £10 per hour. • PowerPoint projector, screens and flipcharts available for hire • Lunches and buffets from £4.95 per head • 10% discount for all Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce members • Ideal venue for breakfast meeting Royal Sailors Rest supporting the naval service since 1876
Business Mentoring Grow Your Business
At a cross roads in your business, think you could benefit from a sounding board or delving into someone else’s experience? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then the Business Mentoring Programme is for you. Delivered either on a 1-2-1 or group basis in partnership between Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scottish Enterprise and funded by Europe, there is no cost to eligible companies. The criteria are: In business for > 1 year, turnover > £100K, Ambition to grow your business You are a decision maker in the business, 1 person per company You have not been involved in the Business Mentoring Programme for > 12 months You do NOT need to be a Chamber member to access this excellent service
Business Mentoring Scotland
Renfrewshire Chamber delivers the Business Mentoring programme in many areas including Renfrewshire, East Ren’, Inverclyde, Helensburgh and Dunbartonshire. We have a database of over 700 mentors that are waiting to help by listening to you and sharing their business experience. Here are some examples of group mentoring sessions we are running at the moment: David Hoey – Employment Law Specialist and Partner with bto Johnathan Briggs – Successful entrepreneur - devotes time to helping ambitious SMEs Colin Neill – Site Director Diageo Shieldhall – Customer Service The Disney Experience
Business Mentoring is free. Call us on
0141 847 5450 0845 609 6622
and ask about Business Mentoring or e-mail: info@renfrewshirechamber.com
BAA Glasgow Airport - Derek Provan / Gillies Crichton – Risk / Compliance / H&S Steve Ireland MD Cosmopolitan Hotels – Hospitality / tourism / events / 3rd parties Richard Patterson – Partner with Campbell Dallas – Finance for SMEs To find out more please visit the Business Mentoring section of our website, where we also have videos of the mentors www.renfrewshirechamber.com or contact Linda Perry, Business Mentoring Executive 0141 847 5458, lperry@renfrewshirechamber.com
Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
SCHOOLS TRIUMPH
ENTREPRENEURS: Dumbarton Academy pupils with their prizes. Photo by Alan Rodgers.
Dumbarton Academy Runners-Up at National Awards ‘SUPER amazing’ was the verdict on Dumbarton Academy’s runner-up triumph at the HSBC Young Enterprise Innovation Awards in London in July. The budding entrepreneurs took home a cheque for £750 and a trophy from the ceremony at an upmarket Park Lane hotel – a great way to end their sixth year at the school. Seventeen pupils were involved in the extra-curricular Young Enterprise Company Programme which saw them set up their own their business – ‘The Super Amazing Ginger Company’ . They designed a Scotland-themed game called ‘Dae Ye Ken?’ which consisted of a Monopoly-style board with questions related to Scottish landmarks, history, language and famous characters, with a CD-Rom. The project had already swept the board winning overall Company of the Year, School of the Year, Best Presentation 2010 and Business Supporter of the Year for adviser Paul Sheerin of Polaroid Eyewear at the Young Enterprise Scotland Awards.
The presentation team for the national award ceremony was Andrew Grindlay, Calum Runciman, Catriona McQueen, Nicola Dalrymple and Heather Reid. Carol Cook, a home economics teacher at the academy, who has been involved in enterprise education for 14 years, supported the group, along with maths teacher Alan Rodgers who was the official staff link with the pupils. “It was a huge outstanding event,” explained Carol, “with the top 12 regional teams in the UK competing and to win runner-up was a phenomenal achievement. The teams have just got better and better every year. “This is the first time a team from West Dunbartonshire has gone this far. To even be part of the final was exceptional and the pupils were great ambassadors for both the school and the wider area.”
Professional Recognition for Enterprise Teachers FOUR East Dunbartonshire teachers have been recognised by the General Teaching Council for Scotland for their contribution in promoting enterprise in education. Jemima Priester is principal teacher for enterprise at Lenzie Academy and has been involved in the field since she joined the school in 1992. She was instrumental in developing a strong sustainable partnership with Cumbernauld-based soft drinks company, A G Barr. She was joined at a special ceremony in the Scottish Parliament by Eilidh McLean of Craigdhu Primary in Milngavie and Margaret Pears and Fiona Haddow, both of the Education Services Enterprise Team based in Twechar Primary School.
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Scotland’s professional teaching regulator teamed up with Determined to Succeed, the Scottish Government’s strategy for enterprise in education, to host the event. Determined to Succeed is aimed at building an enterprise ethos in Scotland’s schools. The intention is to give young people a better chance of realising their full potential and to provide the Scottish economy with the skills, attitudes and entrepreneurs needed for growth Councillor Una Walker, Convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s Education and Cultural Services Committee commented: “Encouraging enterprise in education is clearly crucial to the ongoing development of our school pupils in building their confidence and skills to become the business talent of the future. As a result of this initiative, the increased knowledge and skills developed by our teachers can only be of great benefit to our pupils.”
SCHOOLS TRIUMPH
TOP FOR EDUCATION TWO Dunbartonshire schools took top places at the prestigious Scottish Education Awards – one in the east and the other in the west of the county. Innovative pupils and staff at Bishopbriggs Academy collected the Enterprise and Employability Across Learning Award (Secondary) after showcasing the wide range of entrepreneurial activities, events and learning opportunities at the school. Principal teacher Sarah-Jane McCrory is enterprise education co-ordinator and oversees all related subjects. She created an enterprise committee and awards scheme to ensure students’ successes were recognised. Some of her work with pupils was featured in the November 2009 issue of InCommerce. Developing knowledge of the world of business and employment is of the upmost importance to the school, which has developed strong working relationships with a variety of local businesses and Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce. The Literacy and Numeracy Across Learning Award went to Brucehill Early Education and Childcare Centre in West Dunbartonshire. The purpose-built local authority nursery caters for pre-school children aged three to five years.
ENTERPRISING SCHOOL: Deputy head Matthew Pearce, principal teacher Sarah-Jane McCrory and head teacher Gordon Moulsdale (L-R) with Bishopbriggs pupils John Tait and Farisai Mukonoweshuro.
A panel of judges chose Brucehill based on how the centre created a challenging and stimulating environment for children in the area to learn in. Literacy and numeracy is integrated into the philosophy of the nursery and it also has an extensive home learning programme to ensure parents are involved in their children’s education. Head teacher Lynn McCafferty was delighted: “It was the best feeling to win – we feel so proud. It’s been a real team effort at the nursery, with the staff, children and parents all working hard.” Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell, MSP, said: “The Scottish Education Awards gives us a chance to put the spotlight on the fantastic – and often unheralded – work taking place in schools right across Scotland.” The Scottish Education Awards, now in their ninth year, recognise and reward the achievements of dedicated individuals who help young people fulfil their learning potential in Scotland. They are managed by the Daily Record newspaper and the Scottish Government. www.scottisheducationawards.org.uk
EARLY LEARNING: Brucehill Nursery’s head teacher Lynn McCafferty with pupils Christopher McGroggan and Heather McDaid. Photos courtesy of Consolidated PR, Edinburgh
Photo courtesy of East Dunbartonshire Council.
ENTERPRISE EDUCATORS: East Dunbartonshire’s Quality Improvement Officer Gordon Smart with Fiona Haddow, Jemima Priester, Margaret Pears and and Eilidh McLean.
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SCHOOLS TRIUMPH
ENTERPRISE AWARD WINNERS
Acting for you because your business is our business
SIX East Dunbartonshire schools scooped prizes at the Social Enterprise Awards at Oran Mor in Glasgow’s West End in June. The awards, which were created in partnership with Determined to Succeed as part of the Scottish Government’s strategy for enterprise in education, were presented by John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth. Craigdhu, St Joseph’s and Clober Primary Schools in Milngavie, Baljaffray and Bearsden Primaries in Bearsden and Oxgang Primary in Kirkintilloch were all successful at the awards.
Insurance Brokers Independent Financial Advisers Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
Social enterprises are businesses with a social purpose which reinvest their profits for community benefits and winning projects included a clothes recycling scheme; fair trade, book, music and film stalls and even a credit union at one school. YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS: East Dunbartonshire pupils with Education Convener Una Walker and Scottish Government Minister John Swinney. Photo courtesy of East Dunbartonshire Schools.
Glasgow
151 Glasgow Road, Clydebank, G81 1LQ Tel: 0141 952 0371 Fax: 0141 952 0255
Troon
19-21 Ayr Street, Troon KA10 6EB Tel: 01292 314313 Fax: 01292 311362 Website: www.jcroxburgh.co.uk Email: info@jcroxburgh.co.uk
THE IT CLOUD
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
D E C O R AT O R S
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For more information see www.setstream.co.uk or call 0141 942 8304.
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WORK BEGINS ON NEW AGGREKO SITE THE Chief Executive and members of the board of Aggreko plc formally marked the start of work on the company’s new £20 million manufacturing facility at Lomondgate, Dumbarton. CEO Rupert Soames was joined at the site by Lord McFall, Chairman of Strathleven Regeneration Company, for a ground breaking ceremony at what will become a 170,000 square foot factory. The plant will create around 110 new jobs and safeguard a further 120 in the Dumbarton area. It will design, develop and manufacture power generators and temperature control equipment to be deployed by Aggreko around the world.
ON SITE: Lord McFall with Aggreko CEO Rupert Soames.
Photo and graphic by Aggreko plc.
The site forms part of the 120-acre former J & B whisky plant which is being redeveloped as Lomondgate, a mixed-use project which will also deliver 300 new homes, a new business park, hotel and visitor facilities. SRC chairman and former West Dunbartonshire MP Lord McFall said: “It is great news for the local area and its economy that a global business such as Aggreko has chosen to expand its manufacturing operation at Dumbarton.” Rupert Soames added: “This new facility is a vital project for Aggreko, enabling us to meet our future manufacturing expansion needs over the next 20 years. “We expect building to start later this year with the aim of having the plant in operation in 2012. Our roots are in Dumbarton and it means a great deal to us to be able to remain where we have built up a world-leading design, engineering and manufacturing skill base.” The Aggreko Board also visited the company’s existing hire and manufacturing plants at Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, Dumbarton, where they were briefed on several initiatives to improve the effectiveness of their operations, eliminate waste and improve product quality. Aggreko is one of Scotland’s most successful companies, recently posting record pre-tax profits of £245m for 2009, compared with £191.6m the year before. It supplied power to all the stadiums and broadcasting facilities at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. NEW FACILITY: Computer generated image of the Aggreko factory at Lomondgate.
‘THERE’S BEEN A MURDER’ IT’S murder working for Robert Wilson Decorators. Employees of the Kirkintilloch-based business have been mingling with the stars of the world famous Taggart detective series and met former Dr Who David Tennant. The decorators have been sprucing up the old North Glasgow College at Springburn which is doubling as the police station and pathology lab in the latest episodes of the popular crime drama which stars Alex Norton as the gruff DCI Burke.
As a result he’s also been decorating for independent producer Red for a new BBC series starring David Tennant which screens in the autumn. “I couldn’t say anything about it at the time as we were sworn to secrecy.” Robert explained. “It’s very impressive the way things are done – it was a real eye-opener.” The former Dr Who star has the lead role in a four-part comedy drama called Single Father. He plays a Glasgow-based photographer who is left to bring up four children after the death of his partner and falls in love with his best friend’s wife. TEAM TAGGART: Actors Blythe Duff, Alex Norton and John Michie
They have also worked on an old Edwardian house in Maxwell Road in the south side of the city getting it ready for its starring role in the popular series. “We are delighted – this means our work is seen all over the world. I’m hoping we’re in line for a BAFTA,” joked Robert. “Seriously though, it is good that this is kept in the local area, it is regular employment and they are good to work for.” Robert’s firm got the high profile job as a result of a personal recommendation from former employee John McQuillan, who now works exclusively on film and TV sets. 19
Photos by NHS National Waiting Times Centre.
BEARDMORE’S WINNING STREAK
RISING STARS: Richard Archer and Sasha Paton with their awards.
THE Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre’s winning streak continued at the 2010 Scottish Hotel Awards earlier this year. As well as receiving the prestigious title of Scottish Business Hotel of the Year, two of its staff were singled out for accolades.
as the winner. I was so proud to win but it is a credit to the Beardmore as I would never have won this award without the high level of support and training I receive. It is a great place to work.”
Sasha Paton, the Clydebank hotel’s audit supervisor, was presented with the Management Commendation award, while food and beverage assistant, Richard Archer, took the Rising Star title. The awards are the result of inspections, interviews, consumer feedback and nominations, industry intelligence and critic analysis. Sasha, who has worked at the hotel for 15 years, said: “As there was extremely tough competition, I did SILVER STATUS: Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon with the Beardmore’s Bronagh Bell and delighted staff. not expect to win. I am thrilled to have received this award – it is an incredible achievement for the Beardmore in addition to being an individual The hotel has also recently become the first hotel success.” and conference centre in Scotland to step up to silver Investors in People (IiP) status. Richard added: “I was overwhelmed to be considered for the Rising Star award and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, stunned when I heard my name being called Nicola Sturgeon joined thrilled staff as they
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celebrated their IiP success and received a commemorative plaque. Ms Sturgeon was visiting the venue to chair the Annual Review of the NHS National Waiting Times Centre. The Clydebank hotel first gained IiP accreditation in 1996 but is re-assessed every three years to ensure it still meets its rigorous standards. This year the hotel managed to not only hold on to its impressive status, but meet the additional requirements which resulted in it being upgraded to silver. Bronagh Bell, Business Development Director of the Beardmore, said: “We were delighted that the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing could join us for the presentation of the plaque and that she had the opportunity to meet our hard-working staff. “We believe our workforce is our most important asset and are therefore totally committed to continually investing in staff development and to encouraging staff participation at all levels.”
independence
Thousands Expected at Kirky Canal Festival
Photo by James Higgins Photography
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AN exciting programme of activities has been lined up for this year’s Kirkintilloch Canal Festival to celebrate the town’s past, present and future.
55.86°N, 4.26°W
375 West George St Glasgow G2 4LW tel: 0141 221 2984 Edinburgh
Thousands of visitors are expected to take part in the day-long event on Sunday 29 August from 12pm.
55.95°N, 3.22°W
56 Palmerston Place Edinburgh EH12 5AY tel: 0131 225 6366 Falkirk 56.00°N, 3.78°W
39 Vicar Street Falkirk FK1 1LL tel: 01324 634111 Dumbarton 55.94°N, 4.56°W
85 Glasgow Road Dumbarton Glasgow G82 1RE tel: 01389 765238 Kirkintilloch 55.93°N, 4.15°W
74 Townhead Kirkintilloch Glasgow G66 1NZ tel: 0141 777 6226
There will be free events and activities for all the family. This includes a host of old favourites such as boat trips, a classic car show, a celebration of the town’s Roman Heritage at Peel Park and M&D’s funfair at Barleybank. A new addition to the festivities this year will be a free evening concert at Southbank Marina which promises an eclectic mix of music and entertainment set against the stunning backdrop of the Forth and Clyde Canal. The 2010 event aims to build on the success of last year’s festival which attracted more than 25,000 visitors and landed a prestigious UK BURA Waterways Renaissance Award.
Hamilton 55.77°N, 4.03°W
104 Quarry Street Hamilton ML3 7AX tel: 01698 459 444
more than just numbers.
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Councillor Billy Hendry, convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s development and infrastructure committee, said: “With new acts, this year’s event promises to be even better than last year. And that would be hard to beat. “Really, we were delighted with the attendance and support we received in 2009 and we’re in no doubt we’ll surpass those figures this August. The Canal Festival really is a wonderful day out for everyone. You’d be mad to miss it.” The festival is delivered by East Dunbartonshire Council in partnership with British Waterways Scotland, Healthy Habits Kirkintilloch and Lenzie, the Forth and Clyde Canal Society, Strathclyde Police and East Dunbartonshire Campus for Further Education.
Home Ground, the new family-run coffee roasting business based in Cardross, has an unusual philosophy. You might not have noticed it before, but coffee is a personal thing. You take the best beans – that goes without saying – but whether you roast them dark, medium, or light, and whether you grind them fine, medium, or coarse, is largely a matter of personal preference. It’s a personal matter too, for Alastair Moodie, who runs the company with his wife Sophie, because he is passionate about coffee. “We’ll talk to customers about exactly how they’d like their coffee, and then we handle each roasting individually, because that’s the only way to get the best out of the beans,” he says. He’s selling his coffee – either single-origin beans from Ethiopia, Sumatra, India or Bolivia, or carefully balanced blends – through local outlets, and also developing personal relationships with individual customers and with delicatessens and coffee shops. There’s also an online site, www.homegroundcoffee.co.uk, which aims to get freshly roast and ground coffee to its customers the way they want it. Delivery is also free within the local area.
For updates on the festival see www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org.uk.
ANNUAL DINNER DIARY DATE MAKE a note in your diary now – the social event of the year – Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner is on Friday 19 November 2010. More details to come so keep an eye on your email.
“It’s bespoke coffee from the banks of the Firth of Clyde,” Alastair says. “The beans may be from Africa, South America, or the Orient – but the coffee’s Scottish.” 21
ADVERTISING FEATURE
RIVERSIDE LOCATIONS FOR BUSINESS OFFICE 121 is the latest company to move into Titan Enterprise, the business centre next to the new Clydebank College on Queens Quay by the River Clyde.
“We have high quality ready-to-move in accommodation and sites available now for start up and developing businesses interested in making their home in Clydebank”, adds Claire Donaldson
The company, which distributes office stationery and consumables and acts as the Philips Master Dictation Centre for Scotland, has just re-located from Glasgow city centre to Clydebank.
There are still a number of units available at Titan Enterprise. These range in size from 400 – 1000 sq feet. And there are shared meeting and conference facilities, together with spacious break-out areas on all floors.
Stuart Mackenzie, director of office121 explains: “Titan Enterprise provides us with all the facilities we are looking for and is a great location for us.
Next door at Aurora House, larger business suites are now available from 1,600 – 21,000 sq feet.
“Queens Quay is very conveniently situated for both our customers and our four staff.
Queens Quay is an ideal location, within easy walking distance of the Clydebank town centre and the bus and train stations. It is accessible by car, with good parking on hand and 15 minutes from both Glasgow Airport and Glasgow city centre and the M8 and M74.
“The quality of the accommodation and the flexible lease arrangements on offer from Clydebank Re-built attracted us to the facility” Office 121 is now one of eighteen companies located in Titan Enterprise business centre. In all they employ over 50 staff. Claire Donaldson, Asset Manager for the award-winning Clydebank Re-built said: “We are delighted to welcome office121 to Titan Enterprise from Glasgow. “Titan Enterprise business centre is home to many successful and developing companies, with activities ranging from financial and business services and construction industry suppliers to hi-tech, specialist engineering and digital printing” Clydebank re-built offers business space at two riverside locations on the Clyde – Queens Quay and at Clyde Gate, next to the NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital.
Clydebank re-built has just recently opened another new business park on the Clyde at the west end of the town, called Clyde Gate. The first business pavilion at this location, Change House, opened in May. It has a total of 5,800 sq feet of business accommodation for lease on the first and second floors. Offers to purchase this space will also be considered. On the ground floor a private registered children’s nursery, run by child care provider Nursery Times by the River offers up to 90 places for children under 5 years. If you are interested in seeing the business suites at Queens Quay or Clyde Gate please contact Claire Donaldson at Clydebank Re-Built 0141 951 3420 or Email Claire.Donaldson@clydebankrebuilt.co.uk
Puzzled about help for local businesses? Let us help you put the pieces together… We are certainly living in challenging times for businesses of all sizes. But where there are challenges, there can also be opportunities for businesses at the top of their game. West Dunbartonshire Council is determined that businesses in their area should have easy access to a comprehensive and tailored package of help to ease the strain. Since assuming responsibility for the management and delivery of Business Gateway services, the local authorities can now offer an enhanced package of practical help, face to face services, funding and loan facilities for local businesses at all stages of their development. West Dunbartonshire Council and its partner organisations can offer financial and technical support through grants, loans and initiatives within the key themes of promoting sustainability and growth. Whatever the investment, be it workforce development, capital or property improvements or larger projects, we want to hear from local businesses to find out if we can help.
Start Up
Innovation Grant
WSLF Loan Funding
Property Improvement Grant
Business Training Support
ICT Grant
Capital Grant Fit For Growth Wage Support
to find out if we can help, please call the business hotlines… West Dunbartonshire Council Housing, Environmental & Economic Development Council Offices, Garshake Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PU Business Hotline: 01389 737777 E-mail: business.support@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Business Gateway Titan Enterprise, 1 Aurora Avenue Queens Quay, Clydebank, G81 1BF Business Hotline: 0141 435 7560 E-mail: info@bgdunbartonshire.co.uk
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17 Hotel Bedrooms en-suite: 3 Luxury Self Catering Lodges Relax in the Rob Roy Bar and Bothy Enjoy the Clansman bar, Beer Garden and Stunning Views Good food served all day until 9pm Live entertainment on most Saturday evenings
Under new ownership : Refurbished throughout Nestling beneath Ben Lomond on the West Highland Way
An idyllic location for Weddings and Private Functions Unique location for Meetings and Corporate Events Boat moorings and Slipway available
overnight@rowardennanhotel.co.uk • www.rowardennanhotel.co.uk • tel: 01360 870 273
BUSINESS GROWTH FEATURE
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH THERE’S lots of help for business if you know where to find it. Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC), brought all the main agencies together at an awareness-raising Opportunities for Growth event at World of Golf recently. Chamber Chief Executive, John Corcoran, introduced representatives from the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT), Business Gateway, WDC and Scottish Enterprise. The audience heard how each can assist businesses in West Dunbartonshire and a lively question and answer session followed.
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL WEST Dunbartonshire Council’s economic development team has access to a huge and growing range of support and it is always worth giving them a call to see what is currently available. Economic Development Officer Kai Karlsen summarised what’s on offer.
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Kai Karlsen
Contact: Kai Karlsen, Economic Development Officer Business Services, West Dunbartonshire Council, Garshake Road, Dumbarton G83 8PH. Tel: 01389 737777. www.wdcweb.info/business-and-trade
Business Start-up Grant Up to £500 available to applicants over 18 starting their own business. Must complete application form, submit with business plan, proof of trading, confirmation of identity and evidence of spend. Must not owe any council tax or rates. Business Property Improvement Grant Up to 30 per cent of spend to £3,000 maximum. Helps existing businesses, trading at least 12 months, with property improvements. Must be necessary to expand and create additional employment. Retail not eligible.
Growth Investment Fund Allows award of additional discretionary grants to encourage energy and resource efficiency and e-commerce by WDC, East Dunbartonshire Council and Argyll and Bute Council. Includes bespoke workshops, enhanced advisory services and business development reviews. West of Scotland Loan Fund Up to £30,000 loan to buy plant or equipment and to support business growth. Initial repayment holiday. Flexible repayment period up to five years. Interest rate fixed at 5 per cent. See www.wslf.co.uk.
Business Capital Grant Covers 30 per cent of costs to £3,000 maximum. Enables established businesses, trading more than 12 months, to purchase essential machinery or equipment. Must be necessary for expansion. Retail not eligible.
Business Training Support Up to 50 per cent discretionary training fees grant aimed at improving business competitiveness by training staff particularly in new skills which will sustain or grow business.
Business Plan Support Fifty per cent grant, up to £250, to assist existing businesses with cost of preparing or updating business plan. An updated business plan is a pre-requisite for all funding applications.
New Employment Wage Subsidy Employer subsidy, payable over 26 weeks, covers 50 per cent of wages, to hire those who are economically inactive and registered unemployed. Must prove unemployed status and increase in staffing levels.
Fit For Growth Programme Three year programme, covering Dunbartonshire, with £602k European Regional Development Fund money to encourage entrepreneurship and support for businesses with aspirations to grow or expand.
Business ICT Grant Thirty per cent of costs to a maximum of £3,000 to support further development and implementation of ICT projects. Can form part of larger funding package with other supportive agencies. Business Innovation Grant Thirty per cent of project costs to £3,000 maximum. Assists established businesses, trading for more than 12 months, to develop and promote innovative products and processes. Evidence required that products are patented, or in process of being patented. Can form part of larger funding package with other agencies. Tourism Support Grant See page 37 for details of tourism support.
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PRINCE’S SCOTTISH YOUTH BUSINESS TRUST DESPITE being a lender of last resort business is brisk for PSYBT.
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Sharita Padaruth, Dunbartonshire Regional Manager, advised that since June 2009 her organisation had invested over £56,000, more than £12,000 of which involved grants to disadvantaged clients in the area. The number of new businesses thanks to PSYBT help was 28 and the average award was around £2000.
Sharita Padaruth
Contact: Sharita Padaruth, c/o Business Gateway, Titan Enterprise, 1 Aurora Avenue, Queen’s Quay, Clydebank, G81 1BF. Tel: 0141 435 7560 / 07917 305 553. www.psybt.org.uk
She explained that PSYBT is a charity which was launched in 1989. Its role is to provide essential finance and professional support to 18-25 year olds to help them set up and run their own businesses. In some cases they can help people up to the age of 30.
PSYBT provides assistance in the form of loans of up to £5,000 and, in appropriate cases, grants of up to £1,000. It also provides prestart training and signposting to further help, working closely with Business Gateway and other agencies, supporting new and growing businesses. Every business it helps is given its own adviser for a minimum of two years. Scotland-wide PSYBT invested almost £1.5 million during the past year mostly in the form of loans and its support resulted in 57 new business start-ups. Impressively more than 80 per cent were still in business after their first year. As a charity, it relies on a range of supporters for donations for its funding and has more than 600 volunteers across Scotland.
BUSINESS GATEWAY
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AS the initial point of contact for start-ups, Business Gateway has the key to unlock the door to a range of help for entrepreneurs according to adviser Ronnie McLaren. It provides advice and training in essential business skills and can help the newly selfemployed with business plans and access to West Dunbartonshire Council’s £500 start-up grant. It can also tap in to additional local authority support, refer appropriate businesses to other agencies such as PSYBT and/or specialist lenders like Govan-based DSL Business Finance.
Ronnie McLaren
Contact: Ronnie McLaren, Business Gateway Clydebank, Titan Enterprise, 1 Aurora Avenue, Queen’s Quay, Clydebank, G81 1BF. Tel: 0141 435 7560. www.bgateway.com
What may be less well known is that its remit also includes a similar range of support for existing and growing businesses and, in particular, it can help with reviews and business
plan updating . It also works closely with and can refer larger scale and high growth businesses on to Scottish Enterprise. Business development advisers, like Ronnie, have been providing support in Dunbartonshire since 2007 and in Renfrewshire since 1999. They all have relevant knowledge and expertise as well as current business experience. Business Gateway also maintains links and close working relationships with chambers of commerce, banks, relevant professionals, colleges, the Federation of Small Businesses and others. Business Gateway also has offices in Dumbarton in the Skillseekers Building, 11 Poplar Road, Dumbarton G82 2RD. Tel: 0845 609 6611
SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE
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SUCCESSFUL and high growth businesses are the focus for Scottish Enterprise as account manager Bill Hamilton explained.
development including HR audit and skills improvement, marketing, business efficiency and IT support.
Working in tandem with colleagues at Business Gateway and West Dunbartonshire Council ensures that its efforts are targeted where they can achieve the greatest sustainable benefit for the Scottish economy as a whole.
As well as offering customised workshops for clients it can refer businesses to its Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service arm and access UK and international research where necessary.
Its remit is to support growth among Scotland’s most ambitious companies and help improve the business environment they operate in. Bill Hamilton
Contact: Bill Hamilton, Account Manager, Scottish Enterprise, Spectrum House, Clydebank Business Park, Clydebank, G81 2DR. Tel 0141 951 2121. www.scottish-enterprise.com
Eligible businesses will have a dedicated account manager appointed, undergo a company review resulting in an intensive and tailored development plan and have appropriate support services put in place. All input is subsequently evaluated against relevant criteria for appropriateness and value for money. Scottish Enterprise offers a range of bespoke specialist support in the fields of organisational
Key priorities are encouraging companies to explore international products and markets for business growth and innovation. Scotland’s universities carry out world leading research which can help businesses develop new products, processes or ways of working. These can bring opportunities for both economic recovery and long term growth. In addition, Scottish Enterprise can call on embassy and consular support, source investment, organise events and networking opportunities and provide ongoing business mentoring.
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Photo by XpressPhoto - www.xpressphoto.co.uk.
Clyde-Built Walking Tours AN award winning film-maker inaugurated his Clyde Walking Tours business by abseiling off the 150-foot Titan Crane at Queen’s Quay. Iain McGuinness wants to share his love of his home town of Clydebank by offering guided tours. He is confident that visitors to Scotland as well as Scots themselves will want to discover the area’s rich heritage. The 25-year-old was inspired to start the new business after he made short films based on the history of Clydebank. He researched and learnt about aspects of its history including its shipbuilding industry, the manufacture of Singer sewing machines and about the town’s famous residents. Iain started his own media agency on leaving Clydebank High School in 2002. When some clients asked him to produce videos and DVDs for them, he discovered he enjoyed this so much that he launched a TV and video production company and began making films. “I’ve always been interested in the history of Clydebank but it became a passion of mine while I was directing my first documentary,” he explained. It was when he made a second film about the area that he came up with the idea for the walking tours. “Ten years ago there would be no reason for tourists to come to Clydebank. The town was in limbo after the last of traditional industry, the UIE shipyard was closed down. However, since then the area has been dramatically regenerated by Clydebank re-built and West Dunbartonshire Council.” The walking tour is called Clyde-Built and is audio-visual with the guide wearing a headset with a microphone. Walkers will also wear headsets and the commentary is provided, initially, in English, Dutch, French and German. After the summer, Iain hopes to work with local schools to create Roman and WWII themed tours. He also has plans to offer walking tours in neighbouring Clydeside towns. Iain approached Business Gateway and PSYBT when he set up his first business and has taken advantage of their services ever since. www.clydewalkingtours.co.uk
NEW GRANT AID SCHEME LAUNCHED
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HEAD FOR HEIGHTS: Iain McGuiness launches his walking tours. Photo by Ian Lyon
The aim is to provide employees with transferable skills and knowledge in a bid to help them secure their current and future employment.
SMALL and medium enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from a new programme designed to help businesses provide training for employees, managers and owners.
The grant can be used to support flexible training on or off-site, online, during or after working hours, at times to suit employers and employees. Eligible training fees must be external or additional to the company and match funding up to 50per cent will be paid for external trainer fees.
The Skills and Business Growth Programme seeks to improve the competitiveness, productivity and employablity of businesses in West Dunbartonshire as well as safeguard jobs.
Applications are encouraged from companies who want to train workers who otherwise may not be considered for inclusion in training. Applications are particularly welcome from
FACTFILE IAIN’S documentary PostBlitz Clydebank won first prize in the Marshall Plan Digital Documentary contest run by Bebo and the US Embassy. His Clydebank Through A Lens featured Wet Wet Wet drummer Tommy Cunningham, Provost Denis Agnew and artist Tom McKendrick. His mini-series called South Ifrica won him a Millennium Volunteers Award. After winning a grant from the Media Trust he made a music video for Glasgow-based rapper Kobi Onyame.
minority ethnic owned businesses and businesses owned by women. Any type of external training programme will be considered on condition that it provides skills that will demonstrably improve the company’s competitiveness. The programme is jointly funded by West Dunbartonshire Council and the European Social Fund. For more information see www.wdcweb.info/ business-and-trade
Photo by Campbell Dallas
EMERGENCY BUDGET 2010 NICOLA McReynolds, Account Manager Tax with Campbell Dallas, summarises the main provisions of the Chancellor’s emergency budget.
The Annual Investment Allowance (currently £100,000) will be reduced to £25,000 and will have effect from April 2012.
Personal allowance increase
Zero-rated and exempt supplies remain unaffected by this change.
There will be a £1,000 increase in the personal age allowance for people under 65. The personal age allowance for the 2011/12 tax year will be £7,475.
TAX EXPERT: Nicola McReynolds
Campbell Dallas, a chamber partner company, is Scotland’s third largest independent firm of chartered accountants, with five offices, including one in Bearsden. For advice on any of the issues covered, contact them on 0141 942 0722. www.campbelldallas.co.uk
The basic rate band of £37,400 will be reduced to ensure higher rate tax payers do not benefit from the increased personal allowance.
CGT up
Capital gains tax will rise to 28 per cent for higher rate tax payers, trustees and personal representatives with effect from 23 June 2010. CGT will remain at 18 per cent for individuals whose total taxable gains and income are less than basic rate band. The 28 per cent rate will apply to any gain or part of the gain which exceeds this limit. •
VAT increase
There will be an increase of 2.5 per cent on the standard rate of VAT, increasing the rate to 20 per cent for any supply of goods or services made on or after the 4 January 2011.
VAT recovery change
There is a change to the recovery of VAT for immovable property, boats and aircraft ensuring VAT recovery is restricted only to the business use of the asset, excluding any private use by the tax payer or the taxpayer’s staff.
NIC exemption
A new scheme will be announced to exempt businesses in certain areas from up to £5,000 of class 1 employer NIC payments, for each of their first 10 employees hired in their first year of business. The scheme should be in place by September, but will apply to any qualifying business set up from 22 June 2010.
Trust income
Settlors are required to pay over to trustees repayments of tax in respect of an ‘allowance or relief’ in relation to trust income and this has been extended to all repayments of tax received by settlors in relation to trust income. This will apply to trust income that arises on or after 6 April 2010.
CAMP B E LL • DAL LAS C H A RT E R E D
Gains arising before 23 June 2010 will be taxable at the 18 per cent rate irrespective of the level of taxable income and, when calculating the CGT payable, tax payers can deduct losses and the annual exemption in the most tax efficient manner.
• Audit
Entrepreneur’s relief
• Tax Planning
Entrepreneurs’ relief remains at 10 per cent but the lifetime allowance was increased to £5million from the current level of £2 millon. If qualifying gains are made before 23 June 2010 and exceed £2 million there is no additional relief available. The £5 million limit is only applicable to gains or additional gains after this date.
Corporation tax reduced
The main rate of corporation tax will be reduced to 27 per cent on and after 1 April 2011. The corporation tax rate will be further reduced by 1 per cent each year until it reaches 24 per cent in 2014/15. The small companies’ rate of corporation tax will be reduced from 21 per cent to 20 per cent for accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2011.
Capital allowances
Capital allowances; the writing down allowance (WDA) for new and unrelieved expenditure on plant and machinery will fall from 20 per cent to 18 per cent for expenditure allocated to the main pool, and from 10 per cent to 8 per cent for expenditure allocated to the special rate pool. This will take effect for chargeable periods ending on or after 1 April 2012 for companies and 6 April 2012 for business within the charge to income tax.
A C C O U N TA N TS
• VAT Planning • Corporate Finance • Book Keeping & Payroll Services • Business Recovery & Insolvency • Outsource Services
Contact: Fraser Campbell 126 Drymen Road, Bearsden, G61 3RB 0141 942 0722
www.campbelldallas.co.uk Registered to carry on audit work and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.
This summary has been prepared to provide information for general guidance only and is not intended to replace professional advice. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the contents of this summary can be accepted by Campbell Dallas.
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As your local Training Provider, Tell prides itself in knowing our local customer base. We can offer a broad range of training and pre-recruitment services that help support the development of your business and its people. Training can be delivered either on-site or in our custom built training, conference or IT suite. Through our partnership approach with SDS, East & West Dunbartonshire Council and Job Centre Plus we can also provide you with advice and guidance on the funding and services available to assist you to recruit and/or train your staff. Let Tell be your one stop shop. We are specialists in the delivery of IT training, SVQs, Modern Apprenticeships and Pre-Employment Customised Training. Contact us for details on:
Management Customer Service Administration Health & Social Care Retail Computer Training Engineering Dental Nursing Pre-employment training programmes
The Tell Organisation Tell House, Bankend Road, Dumbarton, G82 2RT Tel: 01389 726555 Email: enquiries@tell.co.uk
Professional Training for Better Results
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TELL TRAINING SUCCESS STORY Tell work in partnership with East and West Dunbartonshire Councils, Skills Development Scotland and Jobcentre Plus to assist businesses to meet their recruitment and training needs. They also help unemployed adults and young people source employment and/or apprenticeship training opportunities. Using a partnership approach, they provide companies with guidance and advice on both training and the financial assistance available to support the recruitment of new staff or the development of those already in their employment.
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Maureen’s area of business concentrates on what she calls ‘short, sharp, job focussed training’ to meet labour market requirements for people who have been made redundant or are looking for work. She helps people sell their newly developed skills to potential employers. Together with her team, she works with businesses to meet their prerecruitment needs and provides bespoke training, tailored to the employer’s requirements. TELL DIRECTORS: Christine Doherty and Maureen McCann.
“Our success rate is high – at present 80 per cent of people leaving customised or bespoke training programmes get a job. Our aim is to be the first port of call for employers for their recruitment and training needs.”
THE Tell Organisation’s directors Christine Doherty and Maureen McCann liked the business so much they bought the company. They are themselves good examples of the value of adult training and development. Christine went back to school at 27 to gain her ‘O’ Levels and Highers. Keen to transfer her learning into a working environment, she attended Tell for some career advice and in 1990 was offered the position of programme co-ordinator, eventually working her way up to director. Maureen kicked off a change in career direction by doing a Diploma in Computer Applications at Tell and was offered a job with the company in 1994. She too ended up as a director. When Christine joined Tell it was known as Dumbarton District Training Association, which was originally set up by Charles and Elizabeth McCrea to improve local training provision for apprentice electricians. Christine and Maureen were involved in a management buy-out in 2006 and are very proud of the fact that they also own the building, Tell House, which is home to the Dumbarton-based business. “The fact that we have invested in the building demonstrates our commitment to supporting the development of businesses and people in Dunbartonshire,” said Maureen. Christine added: “We recognise the impact and importance our personal development programmes had on our own career directions. We have practiced what we preach. We know how people feel when they are starting out on a new career direction or training course and therefore want to support them in any way we can to reach their personal goals.”
“Our success rate is high – at present 80 per cent of people leaving customised or bespoke training programmes get a job. Our aim is to be the first port of call for employers for their recruitment and training needs.” Christine manages the Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeship programme as well as vocational training for people already in work and supports businesses in a wide range of occupational areas including administration, customer service, dental nursing, health and social care, engineering, management and IT training– from beginners to advanced levels. “We can go into a business and assist them with the training of their managers, team leaders, admin, IT and customer service staff, together with their apprentice engineers,” she explained. “As a business, a measurement of our success is the number of people who start on our training programmes and leave with the qualification they set out to achieve. Currently, we are sitting at 94.5 per cent – a record we are very proud of.” Since 1989, Tell has grown and expanded to become a major training provider in the area. Despite the recession, the business has continued to develop and now employs 31 staff. “The business is only successful because of the passion and dedication of the team we have here at Tell and because of the loyalty of the companies we have had the privilege to work with,” noted Christine. “We are 21 years in business and looking to be here for a further 21 years and beyond.”
www.tell.co.uk
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McLaughlinGray Ltd Using psychological techniques which have been scientifically researched, the aim of the services provided at McLaughinGray Ltd is to strengthen the ‘psychological contract’ resulting in employee retention, reduced staff absences and enhanced employee relations along with enhancing the company’s reputation for being a good employer. Norrina attended Strathclyde University as a mature student, after a number of years working in the financial services industry, and later as an employment law advisor, she graduated in 2006 with a BA (Hons) in Psychology from Strathclyde University. Norrina is currently nearing completion of the MSc. in Occupational Psychology, a joint postgraduate degree from Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian Universities where she is currently researching ‘Maternity Leave and the Psychological Contract’. Norrina is registered with the British Psychological Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology and Special Group in Coaching Psychology and adheres to their Code of Conduct, ensuring a highly professional, ethical and confidential service.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
McLaughlinGray’s maternity coaching service provides mothers (and fathers) with 1-2-1 coaching before, during and after maternity leave. The aim of this is to retain the mother in the workplace rather than lose her to a more ‘family-friendly’ organization. The EOC reported that 47% of new mothers leave their current employer for this reason. With many females leaving motherhood until later this means they are often higher up the career ladder than previously, therefore retaining them can be even more vital. As well as coaching the new parent and helping them to adapt to change, and to return to the workplace after their maternity leave, McLaughlinGray can also coach the line manager on handling the return more positively as well as ensuring that statutory regulations are adhered to. The Health & Safety Executive states that employers need to consider the mental health as well as the physical health of employees, it estimates that self-reported work-related stress, depression or anxiety accounted for an estimated 11.4 million lost working days in Britain in 2008/09. Stress is an area which McLaughlinGray specializes in, primarily using a CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) based approach to provide a comprehensive half-day stress management workshop to help reduce stress-related absence rates. Norrina firmly believes that each individual and organization has their own unique profile therefore services are provided on a bespoke basis, with a follow-up consultation to ensure you are completely satisfied. Norrina also provides private clients with psychological coaching for stress management and personal development. 07985 443536 info@mclaughlingray.co.uk
Attention Everyone Do not miss this opportunity • Do you have clients, friends or family that have had a loan or credit card in the past 10 years? • If so and they took out payment protection insurance they could be due a substantial refund. • We are currently processing over 300 claims per week. Success rate of 99% • Many settlements to our clients are well over £5,000 • We take on all the banks, credit card companies and loan companies. • We offer a true no win no fee service so if for any reason we cannot secure our clients a refund, they have nothing to pay! • No Upfront Fees! • We can help clients recover any destroyed paperwork from old loans. Just because a loan is finished, doesn’t mean a claim is not valid.
The longer you leave this the less the chances of success. Introducer packages available. If you have clients and want to be an introducer, we can offer great introducer arrangements for you. A typical introducer would normally be, but not restricted to Accountants, Mortgage brokers, Insolvency practitioners, solicitors. James Cargill Ltd, Financial Claims specialists. Regulated by the Ministry of Justice CRM2210 TEL: 01389 850606 • Email: David@james-cargill.com
‘Tall Tales & Short Stories’
Milngavie Bookshop
Great books, The Independent Bookshop With Values toysTraditional & stationery
& NEW
Children’s Department CHILDRENS
d
ron
ron
DEPARTMENT Café Review
‘Tall Tales & Short Stories’ Relax and enjoy our ‘Secret Garden’
‘Tall Tales &
Great books, Full Menu Short Stories’ toys & stationery
Great books, toys & stationery
& & Café Review
Café Review Relax and enjoy our ’Secret Garden’ Full Menu
Relax and enjoy our ‘Secret Garden’ Full Menuin the West of Scotland The largest independent bookshop
37 Douglas St., Milngavie
Telephone: 0141 956 4752 www.milngaviebookshop.co.uk
BOOK FESTIVAL TALENT SHOWCASE MILNGAVIE Book and Arts Festival has unveiled a programme packed with literary and artistic talent. Poet and author Jackie Kay kicks off the festival with afternoon tea on the opening day in the Allander Evangelical Church. The festival is the only chance to see Agnes Owens this year when she appears on a double bill with fellow writer James Kelman at the Fraser Centre on 9 September. Photos courtesy of Milngavie Book and Arts Festival.
of g:
DEPARTMENT
Multi-award winning foreign correspondent and best-selling writer, Fergal Keane’s account of one of the Second World War’s most extraordinary battles has just been published. The Road of Bones: The Siege of Kohima 1944 tells of an epic struggle when a small British and Indian garrison held off an entire enemy division and prevented the Japanese invasion of north eastern India. He is at the Allander Evangelical Church on Saturday 11 September.
SCARY MONSTER: The Gruffalo in Milngavie.
On the same date, Julia Donaldson of Gruffalo fame is performing a selection of her all-time favourites in a sing-a-long session from 11am. On Sunday 12 September the Fish, Chip ‘n’ Champagne Supper Crime Night features former lawyer Len Murray in the chair with writers G J Moffat, Shirley McKay and Caro Ramsay. Tickets sell fast for this event so book early!
The largest independent bookshop in the West of Scotland
Psychology at Work
37 Douglas St., Milngavie
The festival runs for six days from Tuesday 7 to Sunday 12 September in venues throughout the town.
Professional and Confidential Business Psychology Services
Telephone: 0141 956 4752
Offering a tailored solution to personal and organisational challenges including: •Stress management training •Personal development coaching •Maternity coaching •Managing maternity training
www.milngaviebookshop.co.uk
Available for: 1-2-1 Coaching and Group Workshops
Web: www.mclaughlingray.co.uk • Email: info @mclaughlingray.co.uk For further information on any of the services or to discuss your requirements call Norrina Meechan on 07985 443536.
Chauffeur Driven Cars of Distinction
Luxury Wedding Car Specialists ARTIST AT WORK: Katharina Kubrick.
Telephone:
0141 776 4341
As well as readings and talks from some of Scotland’s finest authors, the popular ‘Art in the Village’ marquee showcases the skills of established artists including Katharina Kubrick who has attended every year since the festival began in 2007. This year she demonstrates her new gold and silver jewellery designs.
The West Highland Way Marquee is the venue for talks and the starting point for walks led by the Milngavie and Bearsden Ramblers Association. Other attractions include a craft marquee, carnival rides, live music and pictorial history. There’s also A Girl’s Guide to Vintage fun fashion evening, a sports quiz, the official launch of the Milngavie Treasure Trail and much more.
www.sovereignselect.co.uk
There’s a new information hub next to the Fraser Centre in Milngavie where festival updates can be found. For more information and a full programme visit www.milngaviefestival.org.uk.
Mercedes Benz ‘S’ Class Limousines - Chrysler 300C & Grand Voyager 31
R.B. STEEL & CO. LOCAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL REMOVERS
• National Removals • Worldwide Removals • Commercial Removals • Worldwide Shipping • Containerised Storage • Self Storage
21 Maitland Street, Helensburgh, Argyll G84 7PD 223 Dumbarton Road, Old Kilpatrick, Glasgow G60 5ND t: 01436 675444 • freephone: 0800 0152 728 • e: info@rbsteel.co.uk • www.rbsteel.co.uk ADVERTISING FEATURE
SELF STORAGE MAY HELP WITH THAT HOME REVAMP
NEW LUSS BALMAHA CRUISES
(Daily July to the end of September from Luss Pier) THE CAPERCAILLIE
DEP: 1000; 1130; 1315; & 1445hrs • ADULT £9.50 CHILD £6.00
More and more people are taking the decision to refurbish their own houses rather than move - especially at a time when the market is still slow. But whether you do it yourself or use the professionals, one thing you’ll notice in every make over show on TV is that the room gets completely cleared. Which of course leaves the problem of what to do with your stuff when it won’t all fit in the garage. And even if it does, is a garage the ideal place to store items which may then get affected by damp or damaged? So if giving your home a new look sounds like a good idea, one solution to overcome that problem is to use self storage facilities to give you extra space. Self storage in the UK has boomed recently, and has one of the highest amounts of storage space available at over 20 million square feet according to the industry body the Self Storage Association. Locally the leaders are R.B. Steel. They have 80 Self Storage Rooms in central Helensburgh ideal for those wishing to declutter along with a further 300 self storage at their Old Kilpatrick base, the Gavinburn Business Park. In addition there is their STORAGE2U service which brings mobile storage units to your door. If after you have given your home a face lift and bought a lot of new stuff you may find there is rather a lot of furniture left over and you are really not sure if you may need it again. It is so easy to store it rather get rid of it completely. Some of it could even be stored and then sold on eBay to gain a profit when you’re convinced you’re finished with it!
• 1.5hr cruise on the ‘Queen of Scottish Lakes’ • Enjoy the serenity of the bonnie banks with live commentary • Sail through the island jewels in the Loch Lomond crown • Full bar available and tea / coffee facilities
BALMAHA EXPLORER
DEP: 1000; 1130; & 1315hrs • RET: 1300; 1445 or 1615hrs • ADULT £9.50 CHILD £6.00
• Cruise to the ‘Village on the Edge’, Balmaha where the Highlands and Lowlands meet on the Highland Boundary Fault. • Disembark for a couple of hours to enjoy lunch and refreshment in the Oak Tree Inn. • This ancient village provides a suitable point for accessing a number of small walks in the heart of the National Park: 1. Conic Hill: 3 mile circular walk takes you to the summit of the prominent hill with outstanding views of the Loch, islands and surrounding hills
“One of the most surprising, beautiful and sublime spectacles in nature” ~ Sir Walter Scott 2. Millennium Forest Path: Mile long path, approx 45 minutes to walk, explore the different woodlands around Balmaha from ancient oakwoods to modern plantations. 3. The Trail / Craigie Fort: 3 mile scenic walk on good paths; enjoy stunning views of the Loch and the islands 4. West Highland Way: Experience a stretch of the famous 95 mile walk
THE WEE GEM
DEP: 1000; 1130 or 1315hrs • RET: 1300; 1445 or 1615hrs • ADULT £9.50 CHILD £6.00
• Cruise to the wooded island of Inchcailloch, part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. • Spend time ashore for a picnic or choice of two walks – the Summit Path or the Low Path.
• The island has an abundance of birdlife, is steeped in history of bygone years and reveals an insight into how nature has formed the landscape.
FERRIES to Balmaha
DEP 1000; 1130; 1315 or 1445hrs • ADULT £6.00 (RET £9.50) CHILD £4.00 (RET £6.00) BIKES £1.00
PAY ON BOARD or BOOK ONLINE TEL: 01301 702356 www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk (Owners reserve the right to curtail or alter sailing times without prior notice)
DIAMOND CHILD CARE SUPPORTING families needing a flexible on-site service is the mainstay of Diamond Child Care. Company directors Maxine McCance and Janice Heath realised there was a gap in provision when they set up their business to provide a 24/7 service for their clients in 2002. In 2003 and 2004 changes were made in the sector which placed a duty on local authorities to offer direct payments. This allowed people to purchase services to meet their community care needs instead of necessarily having them provided by the council. The Clydebank-based company specialises in helping families with children who have additional needs. It offers respite and after-school as well as a sitter service and emergency cover for children from birth to age 19. Their client list includes the social work departments of East and West Dunbartonshire Councils, as well as businesses and individuals who all rely on them to help out with their child care needs. All 24 staff are local and disclosure checked and the business itself is registered with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care. Both Maxine and Janice are qualified managers in health and social care. diamondchildcare@hotmail.co.uk
SPECIALIST CHILD CARE SERVICES A ‘GODSEND’
BENEFITS OF A VIRTUAL OFFICE
TEN-year-old Fiona was about to sing a solo, when editor June Hyslop called to find out about her child care arrangements.
HAVING a virtual office service provides the facilities and prestige of a city centre location without the hassle of actually moving there.
Fiona and a friend had been at a Glee Club in the Theatre Royal in Glasgow earlier that day and she was desperate to sing the theme tune ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ for her mum Margaret. Margaret relies on Diamond Child Care in Clydebank to help look after her daughter while she’s at work. “They are a godsend especially during the school holidays as I work part-time,” she explained. “Fiona has complex and challenging needs and after school care wasn’t suitable for her. She needs one-to-one support.” The previous day Fiona visited a museum where she made a magical mermaid headdress and the day before that she was at Xscape in Braehead. “It’s great for her,” said Margaret, “Between us we organise her activities and she gets to do all the things children should be doing during the holidays. It has worked really well and I couldn’t do without the help.” She found out about Diamond Child Care and the services it provides through her job and has two staff to provide support for Fiona for 25 hours a week during school holidays. Margaret, who is married with a grown up son, was on a tight schedule as she was packing for a family holiday in the sun – after she had listened to Fiona sing of course. “She wasn’t interested in the dancing,” Margaret added, “but was really keen on singing a solo.” Names and some details have been changed to preserve anonymity
It’s ideal for home based and new start businesses who want a presence in Glasgow without the associated costs and frees up capital for other purposes. In the current tough climate for SMEs many are likely to consider this low cost commercial premises option instead of leases. CityDesks is a service provided under the banner of the GO Group in premises just off George Square which gives clients the kudos of a G1 postcode. There are a variety of packages from a simple mailing address for just £25 a month up to a fully equipped office space. On offer is mail handling, call answering and forwarding including passing on text or email messages, hot-desking with back-up admin and WiFi internet access, right up to the workstations option where clients have their own fully equipped private office space. All CityDesks clients have access to secretarial services and discounted meeting rooms. Around 90 businesses currently make use of the service but there is still some availability. Contact CityDesks on 0141 572 8444. www.citydesks.co.uk.
33
BUSINESS FUNDAMENTAL TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY With the unavoidable reductions in public sector spending, businesses have a fundamental role to play in securing our economic recovery. Support for business is therefore crucial, from national and local government as well as organisations such as Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce.
by Jo Swinson, MP for East Dunbartonshire
Enterprise is the lifeblood of our local economy, and with innovation, persistence and targeted support, local businesses will emerge from this recession stronger and with a bright future indeed.
The recession has particularly hit retailers, which are a significant source of local employment. Regeneration through programmes such as Kirkintilloch’s Initiative is vital, as well as ensuring our town centres are pleasant and vibrant places, to encourage people to shop locally. Milngavie traders are looking to set up a Business Improvement District to enhance the ‘village’ shopping area. It is also important that the planning process does not allow supermarkets to expand unchecked and threaten local independent businesses.
Most businesses based in East Dunbartonshire are SMEs, and many have told me about problems they have experienced at the hands of the banks, especially accessing credit even when they are viable enterprises with a sound history and good future prospects. Nevertheless, it is not all doom and gloom and some businesses have continued to thrive and indeed entrepreneurs are continuing to start new businesses. Life sciences and green technologies are just two areas where small and growing businesses in East Dunbartonshire are taking a global lead. Recent policies announced in the budget will help to stimulate local businesses – reducing corporation tax for small businesses, reducing employer NICs and extra support for enterprise targeted at areas of the country, like Scotland, where there is currently a high dependence on the public sector for employment. Enterprise is the lifeblood of our local economy, and with innovation, persistence and targeted support, local businesses will emerge from this recession stronger and with a bright future indeed.
CHAMBER ELECTION HUSTINGS GENERAL election candidates were given a grilling by the business community at hustings meetings organised by Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce. Chief Executive John Corcoran chaired the proceedings in West Dunbartonshire while President Robert Wilson did the honours in the east. Candidates who attended were each given an opportunity to explain their party’s policies and answer questions from the audience. They were asked about a range of issues including how the parties would get the economy back on track, about proposals to increase National Insurance contributions, about what their party would do in the event of a hung parliament, whether they supported reform of the House of Lords and about what their priorities would be if elected. Education, training and the need for more apprenticeships were discussed as well as the issue of freedom of expression versus political correctness Local issues raised included town centre regeneration, the planning system’s failure to adequately represent and involve local people in decision making and loutish and inconsiderate behaviour in public.
Give Team a Sporting Chance Now that the World Cup is over, it’s back to basics with a chance to play a part in ensuring Scotland’s youth can challenge in future years at the highest level. Baljaffray Thistle FC, which was formed in 2002, is seeking sponsorship for the 2010-11 season. For a reasonable sum of money you can have your company identified with developing football talent in the community. The under-15 team plays in the Dunbartonshire Football League and has always puts in top ten performances. Home games are in Bearsden and away games are played across Dunbartonshire. Further details of the sponsorship package are available from team coach Fred Musleh on 07757 802561.
34
Photo courtesy of STV.
Photo courtesy of Jo Swinson, MP
IN these difficult economic times, enterprise and innovation are going to be even more important as the key drivers of future UK growth and employment.
WORK TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE IT was an enormous honour to be elected as West Dunbartonshire’s new MP but it is also a huge responsibility too. Our area has its share of problems but it also has great opportunities and vast potential and the business community is central to maximising those opportunities. As I said in my maiden speech, we sit between Glasgow, one of the best cities in the world, and Loch Lomond, one of the most beautiful places in the world. We have good public transport links, a skilled workforce, great schools and a fantastic new college. We have world class universities on our doorstep and we are steeped in an incredible and varied history of which we are all proud. We must ensure that we are promoting our area, bringing investment here, creating jobs and supporting existing businesses. We must support our industries including tourism, the whisky and drinks industry, the defence sector and smaller companies working in areas such as engineering and innovative technologies.
To really get things moving we have got to get to grips with Dumbarton Town Centre. We have to continue to build on the regeneration of Clydebank Waterfront and we must push on with Lomondgate. Getting these three areas right could really be the making of West Dunbartonshire. Recent financial decisions mean that there’s no doubt things are going to be really tough in the next few years. But public sector job cuts will help no-one and will have a detrimental impact on the private sector too. We must work together to minimise job losses. The glimmer of hope for West Dunbartonshire is that we haven’t yet made the most of what’s on our doorstep. We will need to be creative and inventive to avoid the worst case scenario and I will encourage everyone to think of the long-term. The opportunities ahead of us could lead to a very bright future. We will need to work together to get there and I look forward to engaging with local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce on how we can help each other and what we can achieve together.
Clydebank Business Meets Growing Human Tissue Demand MOST people don’t think about where human tissue for research and testing comes from but Dr Morag McFarlane does. It’s her job to as director of Clydebankbased business Tissue Solutions. She told members of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce at a networking lunch that she and fellow director Dr Ann Cooreman started the business with practically no money and worked from home for the first two years. “All we had was what we knew. We had a client list and a consultancy agreement with our former employers.”
TISSUE SOLUTIONS: Dr Morag McFarlane with chamber CEO John Corcoran and board member Iain Ross. Photo by Emma Latham of TCB Photography.
It was obviously the right decision because in their first year they had a quarter of a million pounds worth of orders. In year two this grew to just under £600,000.
The next year they moved into the Titan Enterprise building at Queens Quay and took on their first full time employee – a PhD graduate scientist. Tissue Solutions meets a growing demand for ethically acquired human tissue samples. Contrary to what you might think they don’t have a freezer full of body parts in their office. “It’s a matching service,” Morag explained, “It is very specialised and more than 85 per cent of clients come back to us – they form part of our core business. Word of mouth recommendations are central to what we do. “Often we have to work quickly to meet their requirements and deliver samples in a hurry. We are approved tissue suppliers to some of the biggest names in the industry and have a network world-wide of 40 different sources.”
by Gemma Doyle, MP for West Dunbartonshire
We have world class universities on our doorstep and we are steeped in an incredible and varied history of which we are all proud. We must ensure that we are promoting our area, bringing investment here, creating jobs and supporting existing businesses. 35
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TOURISM ROUND-UP PARTNERSHIP FORGED A NEW tourism partnership has been forged by West Dunbartonshire Council, VisitScotland and local businesses in the sector. Its focus is on supporting tourism in West Dunbartonshire by looking at marketing and skills development as well as business growth and support. The partnership, which had its inaugural meeting in May, will get together every couple of months to discuss the delivery of the council’s Tourism Action Plan and its commitment to regenerating and growing the local economy. For more information contact Elizabeth Hendry, Economic Development Officer, West Dunbartonshire Council on 01389 737266 or email elizabeth.hendry@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.
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SMALL GRANT SCHEME GRANTS are available from West Dunbartonshire Council’s Economic Development Section for tourism activities or project ideas which aim to increase visitor numbers and revenue for the area. The Small Tourism Grant Scheme is designed to encourage businesses or community groups to work together to generate ideas that will benefit their local area. Flying the Flag for Balloch is an example of a previously funded project which involved Clare Gemmell, Centre Manager at Loch Lomond Shores as lead applicant: “The WDC Tourism Small Grant Scheme allowed a fabulous joint scheme, which would have otherwise been impossible, to move forward,” she said. “Local groups and businesses worked closely together to devise ways in which to demonstrate to tourists and visitors that Balloch is a welcoming destination and to forge a link between Balloch Village and Loch Lomond Shores. “Welcome to Balloch flags draw you into the area and are a small way to show the pride that we as businesses have in Balloch. “Not only does this look great, it has also been a catalyst to cohesive working between all the businesses and we hope that there will be many more great things happening.” For further information or for a grant application form, contact Elizabeth Hendry, Economic Development Officer on 01389 737266 or email elizabeth.hendry@west-dunbarton.gov.uk. 37
FRENCH CONNECTION AT STRATHLEVEN HOUSE FRENCH exchange student Elodie Nasone has been forging an alliance with her Scottish counterpart thanks to a cultural exchange programme. The 19-year-old language student from Beauvoisin near Nimes lived with hosts Elizabeth and Allan Mackay and their daughter Eilidh at their Alexandria home for eight weeks. While in Scotland she welcomed guests and assisted in the management of Strathleven House at the Vale of Leven Industrial Estate, Dumbarton. Mrs Mackay is property administrator of the recently restored Palladian mansion which is managed as a conference centre with office suites to let by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust.
Photos by Robert Scott Haining of RSH Photography, Gartocharn.
Elodie has also helped West Dunbartonshire Environment Trust, which has offices in Strathleven House, to analyse the input of the children of St Mary’s Primary School, Alexandria, in designing their new play space.
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She visited other sites currently being restored by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust and was impressed with what she saw. Now it’s Eilidh’s turn to visit France and stay with Elodie’s family. While there, the Heriot Watt University student will work in the fashion house of Leo Minor based in Nimes. Eilidh’s French work placement is sponsored by St Andrews College Summer School, of Strathleven House, and by the Franco-Scottish Society of Helensburgh. She also has support from the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust and Leo Minor for her student exchange. This reciprocal arrangement was the brainchild of Julian and Carol Dunning who founded ‘Scottish Thistle’ to improve cultural links between Scotland and France. Julian, a retired business man originally from Perth, now lives in Beauvoisin. He has helped forge an official link between the village and West Dunbartonshire with the assistance of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce and further development work in commerce, culture, education and tourism is ongoing. As a result of the exchange, Elodie and Eilidh (21) have become great friends and enjoyed weekends together sightseeing in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling. They even managed to fit in some sailing, partying and 4x4 driving! More importantly, the exchange has greatly enhanced their career prospects. Elodie now has a love of everything Scottish, so much so that she wants to return in November on a similar arrangement to further enhance her language skills and cultural experience.
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SCOTTISH TELECOMS COMPANY SETS ON U.S. MARKET Exchange Communications, one of the UK’s leading telecommunications companies, has secured a strategic partnership agreement with US-based Altura Communication Solutions that will enable it to target a series of large-scale contracts throughout the US and Europe. The deal sees Glasgow-based Exchange joining forces with one of North America’s largest telecommunication’s valued added reseller companies, Altura, which currently works with over 2,500 companies drawn primarily from the financial, education, healthcare and public sectors, and is headquartered in Fullerton, California. It is a partnership which will significantly bolster Exchange’s client base in the coming months and years, as it can now tender contracts in the US with the knowledge it has the service support of Altura’s network of nationwide service offices and its 300 support staff. Crucially, it will also have the opportunity to work with Altura’s clients who have a presence in Europe. Established in 1990 by managing director Tom Sime, Exchange Communications is now one of the UK’s leading independent telecom companies. It specialises in the installation of Avaya’s telecommunication systems and currently works with companies such as Monster, Experian, Invitrogen and Allied International Credit.
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leading-edge “As it stands, when our North American clients require maintenancecommunica support, our engineers dial in remotely from the UK and we use solutions for 20 years. manufacturer support. Now, with this partnership in place, we can send an Altura engineer directly to the client site. Not only giveto ourdiscuss o Callwill us this today customers greater confidence in our ability to service their contract, it will portfolio of solutions an also hopefully result in Exchange securing further business.
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“We will provide a reciprocal service for Altura’s European-based customers and I’m extremely excited about the opportunities this will present Exchange and Altura.” If you are wondering if you’re getting the most out of your communication system and would like some further advice, please contact Exchange Communications on 0800 008 7600 or email info@ exchangecommunications.co.uk.
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Benefits of Chamber Membership If you are already a member, you will know what a dynamic and forwardlooking organisation the chamber is and how hard it works to represent and promote businesses in Dunbartonshire. If you have not yet joined, the benefits of joining and being a member of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce can be summed up as follows:
■ ■ Networking opportunities to promote your business and make new contacts.
■ ■ Access to a full programme of free or subsidised business training and information events.
■ ■ Free copies of quarterly magazine ‘InCommerce’ and a discounted rate for advertising.
■ ■ Information about other business events and business support in Dunbartonshire through our partnerships with Scottish Enterprise, East and West Dunbartonshire Councils and Business Gateway.
■ ■ Business support and advice from the chamber development officer and other chamber directors.
■ ■ Access to additional benefits which currently include: ■ ■ Exclusive rates for AA membership; ■ ■ Free VAT and PAYE health checks; ■ ■ Discounted telecoms; ■ ■ The opportunity to take advantage of the members’ discount scheme or to offer your own discount to members;
■ ■ Access to our database of members; ■ ■ The chance to have an on-line presence via the Dunbartonshire Chamber website business listing. A graduated scale of membership fees makes the chamber accessible to everyone, from new starts to multi-nationals, and a policy of encouraging our schools to join has meant a lively connection to the employees and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. You do not have to be based in Dunbartonshire to join – only be interested in business in the area. Information on joining is on the website www.dunbartonshirechamber.com,
✁
Photo by David Mitchell
by telephone on 0141 280 0272 or by filling in the form below.
If you would like someone to contact you to discuss joining, fill out the form below and send it to the address indicated. Name: Business name:
Best time to call: Send to
Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, Strathleven House,
Vale of Leven Industrial Estate,
Dumbarton G82 3PD.
Position in business: Address: Post Code Contact phone number: 42
Telephone: 0141 280 0272 Mobile: 07801 981471 E-mail: johnc@dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk
New and Renewing Members Company
Name
Business
Town
Telephone
14c Studio
Darren Osborne
Graphic design, web design, film.
Clydebank
0141 561 1876
darren@14c-studio.co.uk
Abercrombie Gemmell
Russell Leitch
Chartered accountants
Glasgow
0141 943 3600
russell@agca.co.uk
Antonine Coaching Ltd
Graham Dixon
Business coaching
Glasgow
0141 286 0345
graham.dixon@antonine-coaching. com
Bell Barr & Co
Madeleine Blackley
Chartered accountants
Glasgow
0141 956 4454
enquiries@bellbarr.co.uk
Business Growth Consultancy Ltd
Stuart Anderson
Business consultants
Glasgow
0141 942 6219
advice@stuartanderson.biz
Calbarrie (Glasgow) Ltd
Roy McGregor
Portable appliance testing and fire extinguishers
Glasgow
0141 561 1495
glasgow@calbarrieltd.com
Carleith Primary School
Joan Brock
Primary education
Clydebank
01389 875632
schooloffice@carleith.w-dunbarton. sch.uk
Compcare
Colin Beveridge
Caring agency
Bearsden
0141 943 1588
info@compcare-uk.com
Creston Retail Ltd t/a Milngavie Bookshop
Susan Frize
Bookshop
Milngavie
0141 956 4752
milngaviebookshop@hotmail.co.uk
Dumbarton Football Club
Gilbert Lawrie
Football club
Dumbarton
01389 762569
glawrie@dumbartonfootballclub.com
Glasgow Caledonian University - Sustainable Food & Drink
Paulo Cruz
Environment charity
Glasgow
0141 273 1416
paulo.cruz@gcal.ac.uk
Grangemouth Oil Limited
Harry McLaughlin
Oil products, sales and distribution
Kirkintilloch
07796 282306
grangemouthoil@aol.com
ICI Dulux Decorator Centre
David Brownlie
Decorative supply depot
Kirkintilloch
0141 777 8454
david.brownlie@akzonobel.com
Jim Chapman
Jim Chapman
Dumbarton
Lex Gaston
Lex Gaston
Milton of Campsie
0141 776 2991
lex_gaston@hotmail.com
Loch Lomond Shores Management Company
Clare Gemmell
Tourism/leisure/retail
Balloch
01389 751035
info@lochlomondshores.com
MagNet-IT
Margaret Isaacs
Web design and development, internet consultancy and support
Cove
01436 842900
magnet@magnet-it.co.uk
McLaughlinGray Ltd
Norrina Meechan
Business psychology - maternity coaching, stress management, personal development
Glasgow
07985 443536
norrina@mclaughlingray.co.uk
Momentum
Debbie Niven
Training and management consultants
West Dunbartonshire
01389 6000378
debbieniven@momentumtmc.com
Pinion Project Management Limited
Gerard Scullion
Project mangement and consultancy
Kirkintilloch
0141 776 4710
gerard.scullion@pinionpml.co.uk
Poppy Love
Tracy Dunn
Flowers, balloons and gifts
Kirkintilloch
0141 573 0077
tracey.dunn@poppylove.co.uk
Raising Standards
Stuart Moffat
Training consultancy
Clydebank
0141 589 2617
raisingstandards@ntlworld.com
Robin L B Hagart
Robin Hagart
Chartered surveying professional practice
Milngavie
0141 956 5169
surveying@robinlbhagart.com
Rossi’s Food Club
Tanni Gilani
Restaurateur
Glasgow
0141 950 1008
gilaniworldfoodsltd@hotmail.co.uk
Rowardennan Hotel
Alice Gilmour
Hotel
by Drymen
01360 870273
sales@rowardennanhotel.co.uk
Solas Scotland
Graham McLennan
Home energy efficiency installer
Dumbarton
01389 734414
graham@solas.biz
Square Circle HR Ltd
Roz Wood
HR consultants
Glasgow
0845 671 2144
roz@squarecirclehr.com
Suits You Wedding Planning and Gifts
Lynsey Lumsden
Wedding planning and services
Dumbarton
01389 765105
lynsey@suitsyouweddingplanning. co.uk
The Barber Shop
James Thumath
Barber shop
Alexandria
01389 721066
Tummi@FSMail.net
The Fountain Cafe
Paul Cocozza
Cafe/restaurant
Alexandria
01389 755357
paulcocozza@blueyonder.co.uk
The Laundry Lady
Karen Merrick
Laundry services
Alexandria
01389 721095
thelaundrylady@6merricks.co.uk
The Lieutenancy of Dunbartonshire
Mike Gregory
County Lieutenancy
Helensburgh
01389 830208
jeandmi@hotmail.com
Ukmerge Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts
Regimantas Baravykas
Chamber of commerce
Ukmerge
003703 406 0072
regimantas.baravykas@cci.lt
Walters of Clydebank
Christine Allan
Trophy centre
Clydebank
0141 952 1395
info@waltersofclydebank.co.uk
West of Scotland Snowsports Centre (Bearsden Ski Club)
Drew Travers
Dry ski slope
Bearsden
0141 943 1500
drew@skibearsden.co.uk
World of Golf Glasgow
Yvonne Park
Golf practice centre and conference centre
Clydebank
0141 944 0444
yvonne@worldofgolfglasgow.co.uk
Information up-to-date to end of August 2010.
chappie9@tinyworld.co.uk
KEY TO TABLE
NEW MEMBERS
RENEWING MEMBERS
43
Member-to-Member Offers / Discounts / Services (Chamber members only)
This is a list of offers from chamber members to help other member businesses through these challenging times. Please help each other!
44
Company/Business
Offer/Discount/Service
Contact
3DotDash Ltd Consultancy and risk management Glasgow
Free initial consultation and 10 per cent discount on fees for health and safety consultation, training, risk assessments, employment law, business continuity planning and food hygiene.
Keith Underhill 07880 698558 keith.underhill@3dotdash.com
Action Coach Business coaching Glasgow
Free business health check (worth £275) to identify business strengthening strategies. Second place free of charge when booking a place on our business planning day. Free first session at ProfitCLUB education and networking group.
Bill French 0141 274 2010 / 07753 864150 billfrench@actioncoach.com
AMP Stress Services Stress control and holistic therapies Dumbarton
Twenty five per cent off all therapies and stress management programmes.
Ann Pryce 01389 607989 / 07504 430416 annpryce212@btinternet.com
Annabel’s Expedition Catering Caterer and freelance cook Dumbarton
Free chocolate cake with all buffet orders and free delivery within the Dunbartonshire Chamber area for your buffet order over £100.
Annabel Young 07512 733939 mail@expedcaterserv.co.uk
AVanti 21 Consulting Audio visual consultants Bearsden
Equal amount of advisory time spent with chamber members willing to take part in research project.
Paul Ferri 0141 942 5935 paul@avanti21c.biz
Best Acts Entertainment agency Dumbarton
Ten per cent discount for entertainment bookings.
James Smart 01389 761741 / 07737 821378 james@bestacts.co.uk
Buchanan Castle Golf Club Golf club Drymen
Discounted green fee - £30, includes 15 minute swing and club check with club professional. Discounted entry fee (£300). Loyalty discount of £100 off subscriptions in years two and three. Academy membership - available to all members taking up golf.
Janet Dawson 01360 660307 info@buchanancastlegolfclub.co.uk
Calbarrie Ltd Portable appliance testing and fire extinguishers Glasgow
Twenty per cent discount on portable appliance testing (PAT) and fire extinguisher supply and maintenance.
Roy McGregor 0141 561 1495 glasgow@calbarrie.com
Can You Experience Co Ltd Outdoor activities provider Balloch
Ten per cent off guided canoe trips for groups of six or more. One free place for every 10 paying customers on any of our corporate events.
Janice Hawick 01389 756251 / 07740 650729 janice@canyouexperience.com
Caurnie Soaps Soaperie Kirkintilloch
Twenty per cent off gift packs.
Jim Little 0141 776 1218 / 07870 813239 office@caurnie.com
Community Times Community newspaper/magazine Bishopbriggs
Three months advertising for the price of two.
Gordon Chalmers 0870 443 9077 editor@bishopbriggsandtorrance.co.uk
Cruise Loch Lomond Cruise operator Tarbet
One child travels free for families of two adults + two children Stuart Cordner on any scheduled cruise. £375 per hour charter reduced to £325 01301 702356 per hour for private functions, weddings or corporate functions stuart@cruiselochlomond.co.uk (minimum three hour charter).
David Muir & Co Estate agents Dumbarton
Free consultation and full market appraisal to house sellers. Ten David Muir per cent off estate agency fees. 01389 734366 / 07921 070075 david@davidmuirestates.co.uk
DFD Advisory Services Health and safety/aviation security consultants Dumbarton
Fifteen per cent discount on preparation of safety policy and procedures or security policy and procedures and advice on exports and imports logistics. Ten per cent discount on other health and safety services or security services.
David Douglas 01389 732476 / 07702 046 671 daviddouglasathame@blueyonder.co.uk
DM Direct Ltd Mailing house Clydebank
Ten per cent discount on mailing house services.
Catherine Smith 0141 952 5954 catherine@dmdirect.co.uk
DPS Agency Marketing consultant Lenzie
Free one hour consultation - will result in a written report outlining proposals to grow your business.
David Scouller 0141 775 0909 / 07817 384705 david@dpsagency.co.uk
Dumbarton Football Club Football club Dumbarton
Excellent discounted meeting room rates for chamber members. Bill Paterson For more information telephone Bill Paterson on 01389 762569. 01389 762569 glawrie@dumbartonfootballclub.com
Easy Web Sites Ltd Website development Kirkintilloch
Discounted packages and free online advice given to all chamber members.
Stephen Flynn 0141 533 1819 s tephen@easy-web-sites.co.uk
Elements Hair Studio Ltd Hairdressing salon Dumbarton
Ten per cent off all services. Colouring half price every Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thomas Dennett 01389 767094 tdennett@btinternet.com
GO Group (Glasgow Opportunities) Business opportunities Glasgow
Series of pdf files on professional development, with the possibility of 50 per cent funding for educational courses.
Mark Houston 0141 572 8324 / 0845 602 1249 mark.houston@go.uk.com
HAVM Health and safety consultancy Alexandria
A free health and safety audit on existing health and safety Anthony MacKinnon policies and procedures to all fellow members and a 10 per cent 01389 721465 / 07851 863299 discount on all health and safety work carried out. havmhealthsafety@hotmail.co.uk
James Cargill Ltd Mortgage broker/financial advisor Arden
Free confidential debt advice.
David McCowan 01389 850606 / 07833 751454 david@james-cargill.com
JJR Print Ltd Printers and stationers Dumbarton
Ten per cent off all services offered.
Stewart Byron 01389 763765 dmacdonald@jjrprint.co.uk
Killermont Investments Stockbroking and investments Glasgow
Free consultation on pensions and investments.
James Richardson 0141 946 3000 james@killermontinvestments.co.uk
The Laundry Lady Laundry services Alexandria
Twenty per cent off all laundry services and 10 per cent off dry cleaning services, plus two for the price of one on duvet cleaning.
Karen Merrick 01389 721095 thelaundrylady@6merricks.co.uk
Long Bros Blinds Ltd Blindmakers Clydebank
Free survey, quotation and fitting on window blinds, shutters, awnings, external and internal security shutters. Three for the price of two on selected Venetian blinds while stocks last.
Martin Long 0141 941 1852 blinds@apollo-clydebank.co.uk
McGaw Consulting t/a Auditel Utilities consulting Milngavie
Free initial overheads health check.
Derek McGaw 0141 564 3080 / 07766 642863 derek.mcgaw@hotmail.com
Mobility Scotland Ltd Positive living products Glasgow
Ten per cent off all mobility equipment, which covers rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds, scooters and stairlifts - small daily living products are excluded. Offer is open to members and immediate family. Free advice and guidance available.
Billy Finnie 0141 775 0396 info@mobilityscotlandltd.co.uk
Neill & Co Insurance brokers Cambuslang
Discounted premiums available dependent on cover purchased and/or premium level involved.
Ed Meechan 0141 646 2883 ed.neillco@btinternet.com
Nomad Associates Marketing services agency Clydebank
Minimum 15 per cent discount on most services.
Damon Scott 0141 951 7810 damon@nomadassociates.co.uk
Orion Consultancy H R consultancy and coaching Helensburgh
Call Helen Chapman on 01436 821482 for free initial consultation and discounted service.
Helen Chapman 01436 821482 / 07917 224626 chapman.helen@tiscali.co.uk
Palladium Executive Hire Chauffeur services/executive car hire Dumbarton
Discount offered to members.
Asif Ali 01389 742610 / 07547 333053 info@palladiumexecutivehire.com
Phoenix Intelligent Solutions Corporate intelligence/business protection Dumbarton
Ten per cent off normal quoted rates for corporate espionage protection.
Alex Gardner 01389 721111 tasking@aric-uk.com
Poppy Love Flowers, balloons and gifts Kirkintilloch
Ten per cent off all products for Chamber members.
Tracy Dunn 0141 573 0077 tracey.dunn@poppylove.co.uk
puregreenspace Ltd Architect practice Kilcreggan
Initial consultancy free plus advice on grants available.
Nicola Jamieson 01436 651222 / 07540 419532 nicola@puregreenspace.com
R B Steel & Co Removals and storage Helensburgh
Free seven day moving crate hire with commercial removals. Free first four weeks document storage. Free no obligation home survey and moving advice. Special price for storage charges, domestic and commercial removals.
James Steel 01436 675444 / 07976 967878 info@rbsteel.co.uk
Raising Standards Training consultancy Clydebank
Fifty per cent discount on all compliance training (health and safety, food safety). Discount on ‘Leading and Managing Change’ event. Low cost training and development to members.
Stuart Moffat 0141 589 2617 / 07960 810467 raisingstandards@ntlworld.com
Ross Telecom Consultancy Telecoms consultancy Lenzie
Review of spend on telecoms to seek cost savings with implementation review. No savings = no fee.
Iain Ross 07971 087309 ross.telecom@btinternet.com
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust Historic buildings trust Dumbarton
Offices to let and conference rooms for hire at Strathleven House in Alexandria. Preferential rates given to chamber members on booking fees for the conference rooms.
Elizabeth Mackay 01389 750005 strathleven@conservationtrust.co.uk
Semtech Motors Motor engineers Kirkintilloch
Ten per cent off labour costs and MOTs for £35 only to chamber Steve Meldrum members. 0141 776 1919 steviem37@ntlworld.com
Serenity Scene Holistic therapies Dumbarton
Twenty per cent off standard price, or first treatment with second treatment half price, or three for the price of two on Indian head massage, Swedish body massage, facial massage, reiki and aromatherapy.
May Quigley 01389 734180 / 07888 681747 may@serenityscene.co.uk
Shedden Macintosh Office supplies, design and print Clydebank
Good fees paid for introductions leading to business supplying office stationery to medium and larger organisations.
Scott Macintosh 0141 951 1275 scott@sheddenmacintosh.com
ViKing Business Services Payroll, book-keeping and office admin Rhu, Helensburgh
Initial set-up fee waived. Payroll from only £15 per month. Bookkeeping, training and admin services at preferential hourly rates.
Jacqui King & Veronica McBrearty 01436 820272 / 07823 334556 VKBSLtd@gmail.com
Walters of Clydebank Trophy centre Clydebank
Ten per cent discount on all items priced on the website, plus other unlisted offers.
Christine Allan 0141 952 1395 info@waltersofclydebank.co.uk
Y-MAC Engineering Engineering service Strathblane
No call out fee. On site engineering service for agricultural and garden machinery, all terrain vehicles and private cars. Supplies at competitive rates.
Cameron Williamson 07793 552071 c4myw@hotmail.co.uk
45
Events Diary... August
September......cont Other Events Tuesday 21 September 12pm
Saturday 28 August 11am - 5pm
3rd Thursday: Speed Networking
Networking Lunch: Inside De Vere
Auchentoshan Distillery Whisky Festival
World of Golf, Clydebank
Cameron House Hotel, Balloch
by Dalmuir, Clydebank
£12/£15 non-members
FREE (courtesy of Stephen Carter, OBE, Managing Director)
£7.50
Thursday 19 August 6pm
Welcome back event for the new season – come along and meet your fellow members. The idea is that you have around five minutes to sell your business and what you do. This is a great opportunity to tell others about your expertise and set up a whole new networking phase for your business.
September
Tuesday 14 September 12pm Networking Lunch: East Dunbartonshire Schools Project Lenzie Academy £12/£15 non-members This is a follow-up to the event held at Bearsden Academy last session. The head teacher, staff and students of Lenzie Academy will show chamber members the work going on in their school. In return they look forward to seeing what business in Dunbartonshire has to offer for young entrepreneurs who will be the business people of tomorrow. Five or six chamber volunteers are needed to prepare a six minute presentation with PowerPoint (if possible) explaining who you are and what you do.
Senior management of De Vere Cameron House Hotel invite members of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce to lunch and a presentation by a member of their team about the De Vere organisation, the opportunities it presents for employment and business locally, and plans for the future growth of the organisation. Note numbers are limited to 30 members so book early to avoid disappointment.
October
Tuesday 12 October 12pm Networking Lunch: A date for your diary Details to be confirmed by e-mail.
Thursday 21 October 6pm 3rd Thursday: Making It Personal – A Guide to Marketing World of Golf, Clydebank £12/£15 non-members Damon Scott of Nomad Associates will cover some key tactics to make your company stand out from the crowd looking at how targeted marketing, communication channels and corporate identity all play a part in building your business.
Thursday 16 September 6pm Rowardennan Hotel, by Drymen
November
£25 per person.
Networking Lunch: A date for your diary
3rd Thursday: Now for Something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
An entertaining and varied evening featuring a presentation by Gordon Barraclough, one of the best known and most influential ‘Business Doctors’ in Scotland. Gordon’s inspirational talks are excellent and not to be missed. The event starts with superb cuisine from the Rowardennan Hotel and will be rounded off with a performance by the magnificent young Irish singer, Claire Ward, followed by a final opportunity to network. Book early to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited. For those who want to stay, the hotel is offering the following overnight rates including full Scottish breakfast – Double/twin room £35 per person sharing; single room £50. 46
Tuesday 9 November 12pm
Featuring a variety of shows, masterclasses, demonstrations and Scotland’s no.1 farmers market. Includes distillery tour and a dram. www.auchentoshan.co.uk/festival
Sunday 29 August from 12pm onwards Kirkintilloch Canal Festival FREE Celebrating the area’s past, present and future, Scotland’s premier inland waterways festival will once again host a fantastic programme of free activity in Kirkintilloch Town Centre and around the canal. A new addition for this year is a free evening concert at Southbank Marina set against the backdrop of the Forth and Clyde Canal. See page 21 for more information. www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org
Tuesday 7 to Sunday 12 September Milngavie Book and Arts Festival Various locations and marquees in Milngavie Town Centre Prices vary – see programme for details. The festival, now in its third year, is a feature in the calendar for many in Milngavie and beyond. Over six days, the town centre comes alive with author events, art in the village, music, stalls and rambler walks. See page 31 for more information. www.milngaviefestival.org.uk.
Venue: TBC Business networking lunchtime event with speaker. A meeting to discuss the challenges facing business as we enter the winter season. Full details to follow.
BOOKING FOR CHAMBER EVENTS Book online at
www.dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk or phone our events team on 0141 280 0272
If you want your event listed email: editor@incommerce.biz
Sixth Form Scholarship Saturday 13 November 2010 Junior Entrance Saturday 5 February 2011 Open Examination Monday 28 February and Tuesday 1 March 2011 Fee Assistance is available Boarding & Day Boys & Girls aged 9 to 18
Forgandenny Perthshire PH2 9EG. t: 01738 812 546
e: admissions@strathallan.co.uk
www.strathallan.co.uk
Strathallan is a Scottish Charity dedicated to education. Charity number SC008903
e nt v i s e NT n E te ishm EM x G E rb NA u A f M Re W ER
NE
D N U
The Burnbrae has undergone a transformation with an extensive refurbishment and improved wines and premium drinks on offer
6 Cask Ales running all the time with Old Speckled Hen Greene King IPA London Pride Black Sheep Deuchars Ruddles County
Lunch Set Menu from £8.99 Evening Set Menu from £10.99 Sunday Roast from £8.49
Fantastic wines from around the world! 27 to choose from!
Serving food ALL DAY EVERY DAY from 11am Breakfast served from 9am Milngavie Road, Bearsden Glasgow
0141 942 5951
BOOK NOW