InCommerce Perthshire Issue 8 by Mark Ferguson

INcommerce THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ISSUE 8 • winter 2010

Business Star Awards 2010 - Results and Picture Special Saving The Carse’s Orchards Industry Focus - Perthshire’s Green Power

Scaling New Heights with Perthshire Adventurer Polly Murray Big Interview

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Contents President’s Welcome................ 3 Editor’s Introduction................. 4 New Director, James Stewart.... 4 Chamber President Paul Shields

Welcome

he Edrington gift of landscape art to the community of Perth erected on the Broxden roundabout as the year of Perth 800 celebrations drew to a close is significant. It connects with the group’s past, present and future in the area but also associates the whole of Perthshire with yet another prominent and highly successful brand product –“The Famous Grouse”. It’s positioning looking to the East where indeed the sun rises, perhaps will inspire brighter prospects for the future. Only time will tell. Time itself, well, we all know it comes and it goes but it is what we do with it that can make a difference. Having had two successful years of Homecoming and Perth 800 celebrations fly past so quickly, who would believe that it has also been two years since the arrival of our Chamber’s InCommerce Perthshire Business Magazine? Throughout eight quarterly editions thus far, much has been reported, advertised and communicated. This not only to keep the membership informed of Chamber activities, but also to fill a spot or two for many in a growing readership which spans well beyond any localised business organisations’ membership boundaries. News, views and big interviews have documented well the past few years’ events and activities from business perspectives throughout all of Perthshire. Is the question now then simply one of: What of the future? Perhaps! However, InCommerce I can tell you, is expected to continue to deliver on its success as a quality and informative means of communication. It will not be left in isolation. It will be joined by enhancements to our Perthshire Chamber website along with more determined actions to engage with members old and new through our improved use of social networking means. With a full compliment of directors geographically positioned in all areas that make up Perthshire Chamber of

Commerce, we have and will continue to grow through our activity and actions. We have become the leading local business representative group through connections with our identity, profile and most importantly our work in partnerships with others as a Chamber Board, administration and membership. We believe that through “Collaboration with others we can bring new ideas to life for businesses in Perthshire”. Ultimately it’s not about carving out your share of the pie at the expense of your competitors, it’s about working alongside your competitors to make a bigger pie to share with others for all to enjoy. Head to head or hand in hand, it pays to join forces. Collaboration in business is certainly not a new initiative but it is becoming more recognised as an effective growth strategy. Born out of and driven by the recession and limited in-house or lack of financial means of resource, it is effective in taking products and services to market. Working together benefits the individual and creates greater good for all. Given that Perthshire is recognised to be one of the top places to live in the UK, once again I urge all in business to take positive action and contribute to help bring about the reality that positions “Perthshire as a great place to be in business in Scotland.” Why? Well, quite simply. “Sometimes good is just not good enough.” Enjoy and share with others the content of this edition of InCommerce. Celebrate and join in the many events taking place over the festive period and have a healthy and prosperous start to and journey throughout 2011 President Paul

Chamber News.....................5-6 Chamber Partners.................7-8 Chamber Members’ News... 9-11 The Big Interview..............14-15 Business Support.................... 17 Business Support Technology.............................19 Perthshire’s Green Power... 20-21 Star Awards.......................24-27 New Member Profiles........30-32 Member to Member Discounts...............................34 Food and Drink.................38-39 Lifestyle.................................42 Membership Benefits.............. 45 Events....................................46

For advertising contact D-Tech on T: 01389 736000 E: sales@incommerce.biz For editorial enquiries contact the Editor, Vicki Unite on T: 01738 450401 E: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk Publisher: InCommerce Ltd Distribution: D-Tech Distribution InCommerce is published by InCommerce Ltd. Unit 14, Birch Road, Broadmeadow Industrial Estate G82 2RE. Telephone 01389 736000. Fax 01389 736002. E-mail: info@dtechuk.com. Edited by Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, Algo Business Centre, Glenearn Road, Perth PH2 0NJ Tel: 01738 450401 Fax: 01738 450402 E-mail: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk. InCommerce is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed wholly or in part without the written permission of the publishers. The proprietors of this magazine are publishers and not agents, or sub-agents of those who advertise therein. They cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication. The views expressed by authors of articles published in this magazine are solely those of the author and are not necessarily the views of or shared by the editor, nor the publisher or the directors, shareholders and/or employees of InCommerce Ltd or D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd.

Editor’s Introduction

New Director, james stewart

In addition, Karen will be working closely with our Directors and me to help deliver exciting new strategies and events aimed at growing our membership, with a particular focus on rural inclusiveness.

Vicki Unite

I am delighted to welcome Karen Wright to our team and she really has hit the ground running! Karen joined us in the Chamber office in October 2010, taking on the new, full-time role of Office Support and Events Coordinator. She takes up the reins from part-time administrator Judy Hickman and will continue to provide support and advice on member services and co-ordinate our Chamber events.

Karen brings with her a wealth of experience from various sectors including the financial and health sectors and her most recent project was working with Perth College UHI where she assisted in the organisation of the 2010 Perth Mountains Conference, part of the Perth 800 celebrations. Along with this experience her pro-active, enthusiastic and friendly personality makes her a welcome addition to the Chamber team. I hope you have the chance to meet her over the coming months. Vicki Unite Chief Executive

I am looking forward to following in Judy’s footsteps in providing top-notch service for our members as well as increasing the range and locations of our events and helping the membership grow. The Chamber’s role in the Perthshire business community is continuously evolving and I am delighted to be involved in that process and be part of an organisation which represents and promotes the interests of Perthshire’s city and rural businesses. Karen Wright Karen Wright

Office Support & Events Co-ordinator.

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James Stewart We are delighted to report that James Stewart is joining the Board from Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers. We asked James about his background and his reasons for joining the Chamber Board. “In my working career spanning just over 25 years in tax I worked in Edinburgh and Fife for 17 years. I then spent almost 3 years on the sunny Spanish Costas before returning to my native Dunfermline. I did, however, see the light and joined Johnston Carmichael in January 2006 at their offices in Tay Street, Perth. “I have been to various Chamber events over the years and after meeting Paul Shields wondered how I could put something back into the business community. Shortly after that and at the start of November 2010 the Prime Minister announced a review of what the Government can do to help small and medium sized businesses (SMEs). As the PM said, he wants nothing less than a wholesale change in attitude from Government towards small businesses and that the country has been institutionally biased against small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the past. “I know exactly what the PM means as I have seen various clients in the past come up against this “IBM” factor in tendering for certain contracts against the big international names. “SMEs provide 60% of the country’s employment and so it is heartening that the Government has recognised that we need to get this sector going again if the economic recovery is going to take root from its current very uncertain outlook. I understand that the review will look at all areas including the difficulty in gaining bank credit, the high level of red tape and ensuring that the tax regime provides sufficient incentive for those starting up and operating SMEs. Therefore joining the Board will give me an opportunity to represent business in Perthshire in these challenging times.”

CHAMBER NEWS

Gold star approval for Chamber

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has been given a glowing reference for affiliation to Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

responsibilities of both office bearers and officials with Board meetings properly recorded and actioned.

Scrutineer Bob Leitch, Corporate Affairs Director at Scottish Chambers of Commerce, visited the Chamber’s Algo Centre HQ and examined closely the workings of the business organisation. His report assessed the Chamber in a variety of issues including: governance, strategy planning and people, ICT and financial management, membership, networking, events and services.

“There is a detailed operations plan properly tied into the strategy and the effectiveness of this is obvious through the efficient use of staff and Board members as well as strong relationships with many Partnership organisations. There is no doubt the Chambers status within the local community has grown enormously in recent times and is set to continue to grow as they increase the resource to support their development.

PCC opened itself to close examination as it seeks SCC affiliation in order to take up British Chambers of Commerce services for its members in 2011. Following his visit with president Paul Shields and CEO Vicki Unite, Mr Leitch said he had “no hesitation” in recommending PCC for affiliation to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. Summarising his findings, Mr Leitch said: “Perthshire Chamber is an excellent example of a rural Chamber working hard to meet the needs of its members and working to a strategy that is based on the inclusion of all parts of their community.

“The Staff work very much in hand with the Board all of whom are committed to the cause. IT and financial arrangements are of a high quality. They are properly managed and scrutinised, with regular checks kept to ensure month by month transactions are in line with budget. “Membership has remained in steady growth and with the plans currently in place further noticeable growth will take place over the next few years. Collection and control of the membership base are in place and there is good material to both recruit and maintain membership. “The events programme and networking opportunities created by the Chamber are second to none for a Chamber of its size and the needs of its members are well documented and sourced. The strategy of encompassing the whole of their rural area is a positive move which will reap much benefit for the future.”

“The Governance of the organisation is effective and regularly monitored to ensure the efficiency of the workings of the Chamber. There is clear definition of the roles and

Launched to showcase the finest East Perthshire produce on a year-round platform, Love To Eat will hopefully benefit estates, farmers, producers, retailers and restaurants and cafes throughout the area. Paul Shields said Perthshire Chamber of Commerce was delighted to be a sponsor for the pilot event.

GAME DINNER Perthshire Chamber of Commerce backed Blairgowrie’s tasty Love To Eat 2010 initiative by supporting their Game Dinner finale at Dalmore Inn and Restaurant.

“As a Chamber we are very conscious of the need to represent and support rural Perthshire as well as Perth city itself,” Pictured (left to right) Tracey Baxter, David Cochrane, Nicola Fletcher, Paul Shields and Alan Bannerman he explained. “We are delighted to be working with businesses within The closing event in the food-driven pilot scheme festival saw around 100 the Blairgowrie area to help deliver this diners savour a six-course feast featuring exciting new venture which I’m sure will the finest Strathmore game including appeal to both locals and visitors alike rabbit, trout, partridge, woodpigeon and and hopefully boost business within the food and drink sector which is so venison. important to the local economy.” Hosted by PCC president Paul Shields, The evening also saw the presentation the event also saw food writer Nichola of the first Love To Eat Food Oscars and Fletcher outline the history and traditions Customer Excellence Awards. relating to each dish.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Political know-how

Enchanted Forest

The Chamber held a special evening in October where members and their guests gathered at Crerar Scotland’s Hotel in Pitlochry to enjoy a great dinner before jumping on the bus to Faskally to this year’s Enchanted Forest. The Enchanted Forest, Scotland’s leading outdoor light and sound event, which was run by the local community this year, has smashed all previous records clocking up just over 20,000 customers for the first time in the event’s nine year history. The event, which is run under the Perthshire Big Tree Country banner, has demonstrated a strong increase in demand year on year and, despite tough trading conditions, is now one of the key events in Scotland’s Autumn tourism calendar, featuring heavily in Visit Scotland promotions across the UK. The event has been particularly well received by visitors this year, with over a thousand respondents rating this year’s event as the most enjoyable yet. Commenting on behalf of the Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company which oversaw the running of the event this year, chairman Derek Allan said “We are delighted with the success of this year’s Enchanted Forest event which has been the most popular with our customers in the history of the event.”

Chamber officials have been given a crash course in politics to help them in their dealings at all levels of Government. Steve Bargeton, political editor with The Courier, detailed the workings of both the Westminster and Holyrood power bases as well as the workings of local authorities. Chief Executive Vicki Unite, President Paul Shields and Vice-President Stephen Leckie all benefited from the teach-in which took place at Crieff Hydro Hotel. Following the half-day session, Ms Unite said the knowledge gleaned would prove “invaluable”. “Chambers of Commerce have to deal with elected members and officials at every level of Government on a regular basis and it really helps to understand the structure, powers and politics of each,” she explained. Perthshire Chamber of Commerce meets regularly with representatives of Perth and Kinross Council and has established excellent relationships with elected members of parliament at both Holyrood and Westminster.

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CHAMBER PARTNERS

Partnership to Deliver Free Business Lectures

Brahan Lecture Theatre

Sponsored by Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Forthcoming Business Lectures Chamber Business Lecture Series 2 ‘Investing for Growth’ Date: Thursday 20 January 2011 Venue: Perth College UHI Time: 5.30-7.30pm

erthshire Chamber of Commerce and Perth College UHI have teamed up to deliver a series of free lectures designed to inform and inspire local businesses. Held in the College’s Brahan lecture theatre which is sponsored by the Chamber Platinum Partners, the first in the Business Lecture Series was Perth College UHI’s Centre for Enterprise conference ‘Greenbiz ‘10 Understanding Renewables’, held on Thursday 18 November 2010. Announcing the partnership for the lecture series, Dr Thomas Moore, Perth College UHI Principal and Chief Executive said: “We are taking a partnership approach to supporting our local businesses and are delighted to be hosting the lecture series for the Chamber of Commerce and all the Platinum Partners. As a Platinum Partner we are also particularly pleased to be providing the very first event of the series. The Greenbiz conference demonstrated our aim of supporting business growth; disseminating knowledge and inspiring business success, all essential in the current economic climate. There was also the opportunity to network and develop valuable business contacts.” Paul Shields, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce President said of the series: “We have created and developed what we believe to be exciting opportunities through working in partnership. Our aim is to deliver added value for all associated with Perthshire businesses. The Business Lecture Series is geared to involve and act as a vehicle for College students in further and higher education to connect with businesses from around Perthshire and for all to enhance their own continuous personal development.” Greenbiz ‘10 Understanding Renewables Conference demonstrated how business profits can be grown by going green through energy efficiencies and looked at new opportunities in renewable technologies. Sheena Howden, Manager of Perth College UHI’s Centre for Enterprise explained: “As a result of the many requests from businesses for further information on energy efficiency and new opportunities within the renewable technology sector, we organised this Greenbiz conference to help answer these questions”. For more information on Perth College UHI’s Centre for Enterprise, see www.perth.ac.uk/employers/enterprise. For more information on the Business Lecture Series, see www.perthshirechamber.co.uk.

Chamber Business Lecture Series 3 Date: Thursday 17 February 2011 Venue: Perth College UHI Time: 5.30-7.30pm Chamber Business Lecture Series 4 Date: Thursday 17 March 2011 Venue: Perth College UHI Time: 5.30-7.30pm Chamber Conference Date: Wednesday 20 April 2011 Venue: Perth College UHI Time: 1-4.30pm Chamber Business Lecture Series 5 Date: Thursday 19 May 2011 Venue: Perth College UHI Time: 5.30-7.30pm Perthshire Tourism Partnership Date: Wednesday 22 June 2011 Venue: Perth College UHI Time: 1-4.30pm Chamber Business Lecture Series 6 Date: Thursday 15 September 2011 Venue: Perth College UHI Time: 5.30-7.30pm Chamber Business Lecture Series 7 Date: Tuesday 13th October 2011 Venue: Perth College UHI Time: 5.30-7.30pm Past Lectures

Chamber Business Lecture Series 1

Thursday 18th November 2010

Perth College UHI Centre for Enterprise

Greenbiz ’10 - Understanding Renewables

The Business Lecture Series presented by the Chamber Platinum Partners

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Chamber Partners We are now into our second successful year of our Partnership Packages and we wish to once again thank and acknowledge those Partners we currently have onboard

Platinum A&S Properties

In response to the change in the economic climate the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce launched this range of sponsorship opportunities. Realising that securing large amounts of funding from a few large companies would become increasingly difficult and unlikely we took the initiative to introduce three levels of partnership which enables more businesses to access to the benefits of sponsorship at an affordable rate. Those opting to become a Silver, Gold or Platinum Partner receive many benefits throughout their year of sponsorship including their membership fees, attendance at events, along with perks that cannot be bought including the chance to address delegates at events and promotion of their companies through Chamber communications.

Bank of Scotland Binn Skips Clydesdale Bank Highland Spring Perth College UHI

In addition, the Gold Partners receive exposure on the Chamber Golf Day and Platinum Partners have one of our prestigious Business Star Awards named after them and are involved in the judging and the presenting of the awards at the glittering Annual Dinner which this year took place at Crieff Hydro Hotel on Friday 26th November.

Royal Bank of Scotland Symphony Hotels & Leisure Ltd

Gold

These exclusive packages are limited and we are delighted to have the support of our partner businesses and enjoy working closely with them.

Crieff Hydro Hotel Ltd Algo

If you are interested in finding out more about these packages which offer excellent value for money please contact the Chamber office on 01738 450401 or email info@ perthshirechamber.co.uk.

Platinum Partners

www.highland-spring.com

Gold Partners

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The water from organic land

chamber members’ news

Partnership Effort was no Waste of Time

strategic partnership between waste management and recycling company Binn Skips and St John’s Shopping Centre in Perth has proved that making an effort when it comes to recycling is no waste of time by picking up the Award for Best Partnership Initiative at the Scottish Waste & Resources Awards. St John’s Shopping Centre and its retailers generate 243 tonnes of waste annually and management felt it could aim to have 40% of that waste recycled, with a view to increasing that target by 10% annually. Following a review of the shopping centre’s waste management processes, Binn Skips identified that their waste operations were time consuming and labour intensive. Binn Skips took action, deciding that waste would no longer need to be segregated on site, increased the size of the bins and freed up space by cutting the number of bins by half. Waste collections increased from weekly to daily uplifts and all segregation and recycling was handled on site at Binn Skips’ specialist facility. The net impact was positive for the environment and, in a tough financial climate, good news for the bottom line. By improving waste management St John’s Shopping Centre minimised the impact of escalating disposal and transportation costs, as well as Landfill Tax increases. On top of this they improved the amount of waste recycled from their target 40% to a massive 80% in the space of just twelve months. St John’s Shopping Centre is now on target to achieve zero waste to landfill targets by 2014. Without Binn Skips, that target would have taken years to achieve.

L to R – Carol Holben-Neville, sales and marketing executive & John McGregor, managing director, of Binn Skips pictured with Siobhan McConnell and Ken Bowman, Centre Manager & Deputy Centre Manager of St John’s Shopping Centre, Perth

Tourism Minister Supports Strathearn Survey

Stuart McLaren, John Champion, Jim Mather, Stephen Leckie, Dawn Griesbach

inister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Jim Mather and the residents of Crieff met to discuss the future of the town in light of a recent landmark poll. The independent survey - commissioned by CUSP and funded by Perth and Kinross Council - was completed by local residents and business owners and addressed a wide range of topics ranging from social and cultural issues to parking and opportunities for the town centre. This provided a valuable opportunity to find a consensus on important issues allowing the Crieff and Upper Strathearn Partnership (CUSP) to work in partnership with the local government in addressing these areas and improving the town for both residents and visitors. Following the results of the forum at Crieff Hydro, Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, led an engagement session, at which local leaders considered opportunities to achieve tourism growth in line with their revitalisation plans for Crieff. Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Jim Mather, said: “Crieff has so very much to offer the visitor, and its tourism focus is vital to the local economy. I am sure that this engagement session will provide a forum for local leaders and stakeholders to consider how their combined and coordinated work to improve the area can have a direct impact on tourism, visitor experiences, and economic growth. In my opinion, bringing people together to agree a shared responsibility for the future economic success of their area is the best way to achieve the tourism and economic growth Crieff wants to see. This engagement session will help to achieve exactly that” The results of the Crieff Community survey will be presented again at a second public meeting in Crieff on Wednesday 8th December at 7.30pm in the Lecture Theatre, Strathearn Community Campus. The meeting is open to everyone who lives and works in Crieff or the surrounding area. After the presentation, there will be further opportunity for discussion about how best to take forward plans for improving the town.

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chamber members’ news

Henderson Loggie Goes International

hartered accountancy firm Henderson Loggie is to become part of a worldwide business grouping in a move designed to ensure clients benefit from the best financial advice at home and abroad. With its recent announcement that it has linked up with five fellow CA firms in England and Wales to create MacIntyre Hudson Association (MHA), with a combined turnover of just under £80 million, Henderson Loggie automatically becomes a member of the global business organisation Morison International which is represented in over 50 countries worldwide. The move is expected to be particularly beneficial in compliance areas such as audit and tax advice where all Henderson Loggie clients with overseas subsidiaries will now gain the professional advice required in the relevant country from a trusted partner firm.

Henderson Loggie managing partner Bob Steel said: “It’s especially important that as overall auditors or tax advisers to clients we have good channels of communication when their overseas subsidiaries have to deal with these matters in another country. This wider reach around the world means that we now become increasingly able to advise clients who are operating internationally. It’s always been our ambition that as our clients grow we are able to continue to provide the level of service which they require to continue that growth.” Bob Steel said: “Joining the new association allows us to pull in additional expertise from fellow member firms. This link gives us confidence that our clients will receive the same high quality of service internationally as they currently experience from Henderson Loggie in Scotland.”

Knock Castle Awarded 4 Stars by Visit Scotland

fter an amazing year of success for Knock Castle Hotel and Spa in Perthshire, following on from the opening of their rooftop restaurant and winning a number of prestigious accolades at The Scottish Hotel Awards 2010, they have been awarded 4 stars by Visit Scotland. General Manager and Executive Chef, Jason Henderson commented: “This is amazing for Knock Castle to have been awarded four stars from Visit Scotland. It is a great end to what has been a very successful year for us. Especially following on from our refurbishment to the Hotel and Spa as well as the opening of our rooftop restaurant, this was purely down to customer feedback. It is so good to be recognised for all of our hard work and we will continue to strive to achieve more.” Knock Castle Hotel and Spa, set in the hills of the Strathearn valley recently completed their £1.5 million refurbishment to the property. In December 2009, the castle opened one of Scotland’s first panoramic rooftop restaurants – The Stag’s View. The exclusive restaurant with stunning views of Perthshire and beyond is one of a kind in Scotland - complete with an outside terrace, open plan kitchen and lounge area. Knock Castle’s strict over 18’s policy, offers guests an oasis of tranquility, which is one of their unique selling points. The hotel’s opulent bedrooms range from executive through to luxury castle suites as well as a separate self contained lodge within the grounds of the castle which is available for private hire.

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chamber members’ news

Flooding is on the Rise Within the Perth Area

Perth Dentist Makes the Grade

e would like to congratulate Dr Elaine Halley for becoming the first Scottish dentist to achieve BACD Accreditation.

Open to Full Members, BACD Accreditation is a rigorous two-stage process that illustrates to peers and patients alike that a technician or practitioner has achieved a level of excellence with regard to their cosmetic dental skills. Anyone attempting to obtain BACD Accreditation must demonstrate their ability to diagnose, plan and execute cosmetic treatment to the highest standards and show that this can be performed safely, ethically and competently. Currently, there are only a handful of clinicians countrywide who have managed to attain this prestigious award, making Dr Halley’s achievement all the more exceptional. Dr Halley is a former BACD President, well-known lecturer and principal at the Cherrybank Dental Spa in Perth and has recently opened a practice in Edinburgh. She has studied extensively in the US, Europe and the UK. She is one of the few dentists to have graduated from the Master’s Course in cosmetic dentistry at the Rosenthal Institute at the New York University College of Dentistry. Dedicated to the practice of quality cosmetic dentistry, the BACD has had an Accreditation pathway in place since 2005.

loods can have devastating consequences for a business, causing severe financial and emotional stress to its owners and staff. Unfortunately we can’t prevent floods from happening, but you can take action to limit the impact they may have. By being prepared you can reduce the loss of stock and moveable equipment, as well as reducing time spent getting the business back to normal. Wherever you are in Scotland, Floodline is here to help. The service is delivered by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), providing up-to-the-minute information on the latest risk of coastal and river flooding, 24 hours a day. All you have to do is call 0845 988 1188 (at local rate) or click online. Your area even has a dedicated quick dial code to take you straight to the flood risk messages relevant to you. New and improved Floodline service is set to spring into action Spring 2011 will see the launch of a new, improved Floodline. You will be able to sign up to receive flood risk messages for your area direct to your phone- completely free of charge. Which means you’ll know in advance when a flood is likely to occur. SEPA has been consulting with members of the public, Perth & Kinross Council, as well as the Perth Chamber of Commerce; to develop a targeted service for your local area. For more information and to register your interest in the new service launching in spring 2011, complete the enquiry form at www.sepa.org.uk/floodlinewarningsdirect or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

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the big interview

erthshire explorer, adventurer and TV presenter Polly Murray shares some memories with journalist Maureen Young

Q. First Scots woman to conquer Everest – pretty cool? Yes. I was very lucky. In 2000 when I was 26 I was fortunate enough to be invited to join a group to climb Everest. There were six of us. I was very excited. I had been to Base Camp when I was 17 with my Stepfather, Dougie. He had been before and I kind of grew up with the tales. I never thought in my wildest dreams then that I would be back 10 years later scaling the summit. Q. Would you ever go back? Unfortunately, the mountain has become much more commercial. In 2000 it was alright but I never dream of going back – I’m just not interested. It is a beautiful mountain and I was so lucky to have been part of a small team – all mates. To be there without a million other people was special. I didn’t think about making Scottish history until I got back down. I simply hadn’t thought of that. I was relatively relaxed about it all. If weather had jeopardised our summit bid it really wouldn’t have mattered. Some people are so determined to reach the summit that they kill themselves or waste thousands of pounds. When I got back down to base camp the telephone was going mad. Walking into base camp was the best feeling. I knew I had made it – I knew I was safe. I was off the mountain. Q. What does it feel like to be on top of the world? The feeling was quite surreal. I felt light-headed because I was so high – and more so when I took my oxygen mask off for a summit photo. We’d fought through a huge storm near the top and a lot of the time the views were obscured. The cloud cleared and it was like a dream. We’d been working towards this for over two months. It was hard to believe. Amazing.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

But you don’t relax. You have to get back down – often the hardest part of any climb. Q. Were you destined to be an explorer? I don’t know about that but my first memories of the mountains are of being dragged up Scheihallion and then even higher at Courmayeur by my Mum and Stepfather, They wanted to do some climbing and they dragged us up to a high glacier, camping next to crevasses – me aged 5 and my brother 7. Q. You’re a bit of a Tomboy? Definitely. I spent most of my playtime at my parents’ house in Perthshire on deathslides we made across gullies. I think I was pretty fearless. Always outdoors, always muddy and always climbing trees. Q. Has that changed? Slightly. As a mother I am more aware of fear. You are responsible for another little person and you are aware of the need to look after yourself in order to look after him. When I was younger I was very Devil May Care. Not reckless but always craving excitement and wanting to get close to wildlife. When you are young you think you are invincible. As I get older I realise that I am not. Q. Any injuries in your adventures? I have broken my arm four times – never a leg and thankfully never anything more serious. I had quite a serious paragliding accident once but was very lucky to get away with out any serious injury. Q. Were you always into climbing? Skiing was my big love. I skied in the garden, in the woods, at the Glenshee slopes. When I went to school at Gordonstoun I continued with my skiing. Then I was selected to join the British Junior squad for Nordic skiing and that served as my university. I spent several years travelling the world and working hard. I was always having to earn some money to pay for the next adventure. After years of training and racing I decided that - although I was very competitive - I wasn’t prepared to devote my life to it. Then I started climbing and my love for the sport and the mountains grew. Any mountain is beautiful for me. I just love being out there. I find the hills of Scotland as pretty as anywhere. However, I am not only into hardcore climbing and hanging off rocks by my fingernails. Of course there is always the thrill of the challenge but for me it’s more about actually being out there in the hills. Going places where other people rarely go is the big thrill. I am very happy I climbed Everest. Not least because it pulled in Tiso as my sponsor thereafter. That has enabled me to do so many more trips and with the proper kit – which is very important. Q. Your adventures are too numerous to detail but bullet point your favourites. Everest obviously. Crossing Bylot Island in the Arctic with my friend Tash in 2001. We had a great adventure and ended up with no food and low on energy in an area full of Polar bears. In 2003 Chris Tiso pulled together a team of five friends – all keen on different things such as diving, climbing, skiing, sailing etc and we headed to the Antarctic and South Georgia. We chartered a 55ft steel boat to take us down. The Skipper was Rich Haworth – the man who would eventually become my husband! We set off from Chile and went round Cape Horn down to the Antarctica Peninsular. We then followed in Shackelton’s wake by sailing from Elephant Island to the island of South Georgia. I found South Georgia to be an unbelievable destination. For me, probably the most beautiful place on earth. The diving was great. With fur seals and elephant seals and diving on all the wrecks.

Seeing the wandering Albatross at Albatross Island which are absolutely enormous. In 2003/4 we went back to Greenland – more of a sailing expedition to see how far north we could go in a little plastic boat – a 33ft Westerly. We got 78 degrees north – to the island of Etah – before the whole sea was in danger of freezing around us.

Q. Tell us about your TV career? I started doing talks and lectures. Talking to kids and trying to inspire them. In 2005 I was amazed when I got a call asking me to go to the Amazon as assistant expedition leader and TV presenter for a children’s adventure series. The first series had been done by Bruce Parry. I worked with the BBC for two and a half months. Took eight kids with us to involve them in environment, adventure, wildlife etc and living out there with no comforts. The next year I got asked by the BBC to do a follow-up series in the Andes in Equador. The next series focused on the Ocean which took us to South America. In 2009 they launched an explorer series where we followed in the footsteps of a famous explorer. The first was to be in China but riots broke out so it was shelved. I then got a call saying we were following Livingstone’s exploration of Africa. I went with half the kids and worked with the Masai. Tragically, the other leader – Anton Turner – was killed by a charging elephant. Anton’s parents said he would have wanted the show to go ahead so it is being edited now and will come out at Christmas. It was a dreadful time. It brought it home to me that we were not in a playground. It’s really serious out there.

Q. Do you enjoy taking risks? I have always taken risks but try to minimise them. There is always the chance something can happen and you always have to be aware. Losing Anton was just awful – every day I think of him. Q. You’ve recently had your first baby – how has he changed your life? Finton was born on August 1st. I feel that he has fulfilled my life. He is my next big adventure and has made me less selfish. My focus is now him and not me. But I don’t want my life to change and he will fit in. We will make every opportunity we can for him to see and experience everything in life and he will make his own decisions. Who knows, there may be a bit of explorer and adventurer in him. He has already been camping.

Q. Who’s your favourite explorer? Tilman has been a big inspiration for me. He used a yacht to explore and climb in many remote parts of the world. Q. Where would you love to explore next? I would like to explore more of Scotland’s beautiful places. Q. Best view? I am very lucky to have witnessed so many gobsmacking views round the world. The scenery of South Georgia probably provides some of the best. However, I was in Applecross on Scotland’s west coast recently and that still blew me away. Q. You’re also a steeplejack? I love that job. I’ve been doing it for 15 years. Predominantly building work off ropes. For the last seven years I have been working on Scone Palace and other historic buildings of Scotland. Re-pointing and painting are my speciality. I also spend a lot ot time sorting gutters and downpipes. I have also worked in London cleaning windows at Victoria train station, at the Old Bailey and at an office block in Berkley Square. It is all great fun. It is so rewarding and very therapeutic – helping to give these historic buildings another 100 years or more. Q. Do you still like coming home? I always thought I would end up living in New Zealand or Chamonix but I love the fact we have come back to settle in Perthshire. Scotland calls you back and in recent years I have started to discover more and more of it. You can have all your adventures in Scotland of one form or another. Q. What’s your philosophy? Grab every opportunity that life presents. I think that I have been very fortunate to be presented with some fantastic opportunities. I feel I am giving a little back by working with the children on TV and helping them to see what is out there. Q. Why haven’t you written a book? I haven’t done enough to justify a book. I have just had a few great adventures. Q. Do you cook? I love it. Love experimenting. My husband Rich could eat for Scotland. I love cooking and have just taken up baking. Now I will spend a lot more time at home with the baby doing these domestic things. I reckon about 60 – 70 percent of my time will be here. Q. Most uncomfortable sleep? I have had many. The worst was probably in a snowhole in the Chilean channels after a hard, cold, wet day’s climbing. I also slept in a very cold shipping container in Greenland for two nights. email: pollymurray@hotmail.com www.pollymurray.com Available for talks and inspirational lectures.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

Christmas is hurtling towards you at top speed and you’re starting to realise that organising your company Christmas party is slipping further and further down your To Do list. You think it’s too late. Don’t panic! We can help! We’ve put together a spanking good itinerary that covers all the bases! It starts when you walk in the door to a lovely welcome with a sparkling glass of bubbly and chocolate dipped strawberries. Once you’ve dressed for dinner we’ll have scrumptious cocktails and mouth-watering canapés ready before your 4 course Christmas dinner and wine. If you’ve got room, you can ﬁnish off with our coffee and delicious homemade mince pies. After polishing off all of that you’ll have to shimmy it all off again on the danceﬂoor at our disco – we’ve got great tracks that are bound to get everyone up and moving!

You’ve been planning your office Christmas shindig for months now and have a colour coded chart of what you want and when. There’s just one thing wrong. You can’t seem to find the accommodating, flexible venue that will help you to achieve exactly what you want. Don’t abandon all hope yet! We can help! Acarsaid will give you a Christmas Party that your guests will love and you can be proud of! How can we be so sure? Because we’ll work hard to make sure that we’ve got exactly what you want! If you don’t want to stick to the jolly little schedule that we’ve produced you can change bits and pieces or even completely transform the whole thing! Whatever your vision of Christmas happens to be we’ll work our magic and make sure that your party goes with a bang and gives your workmates a night to remember!

We organise quizzes, discos, casinos, karaoke, ceilidhs, magicians, team building and a whole host of party games! Want to make a whole weekend of it? Then we can suggest a plethora of things to do locally that your whole team will enjoy. Our Party nights are for residents only so there’s no need to worry about coordinating taxis or buses back to where you hail from. You can sleep safe and sound with us before you surface for our vast Porridge Bar, Pancakes (from a secret recipe!), or our notorious Acarsaid Big Breakfast (which uses only the ﬁnest local produce) and a big mug of specially blended tea or coffee. How can you bear to go anywhere else? Contact the owner, Clare on 0845 263 6855 or visit www.acarsaidhotel.com for more information.

Strang & McLagan

Funeral Directors & Memorial Consultants Main Office and Funeral Home

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

Part of Dignity Funerals Ltd

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

Memorial Consultants Member of National Association of Funeral Directors

business support

FA R M S H O P & C a f e

ALL YOU NEED FOR A FESTIVE CHRISTMAS NAVIGATING THE CHOPPY WATERS OF BUSINESS Luxury Wicker Hampers from £45.00 and fantastic Gift Sets from £10.00 Our hampers and gift sets are filled with wonderful Scottish and local produce. From Dalchonzie jams

Produce Orders

Don’t be disappointed! Traditional free range turkey and goose, melt in the mouth Highland Beef, homemade Brig Farm Steak Pies.

and chutneys, hand made soaps and bath products,

Choose from our wide selection of meat and poultry

Cairn O’ Mohr wines, Scottish candles, Summer

which also includes Puddledub Pork, Hilton Wild

harvest oils, Scottish whiskies to Gordon & Durward

Boar, Jim Fairlie Lamb and highland venison and

sweets, wicked chocolates and much more. We have

game. You will find every thing you need and more

extended our range in confectionary, Scottish beers,

to make this a delicious Christmas.

cakes, cheeses, vintage gifts and beautifully designed Christmas cards and prints from Alex Clark. Create your own! Our hampers and gift boxes are made in the shop so why not come in to see us and get creative with your own selection of gifts. We will make your personalised hamper or gift box an extra special treat for someone this Christmas.

Brig Farm Shop and Cafe Gateside Home Farm, Bridge of Earn PH2 8QR Tel: 01738 813571 Email: info@brigfarmshop.co.uk

www.brigfarmshop.co.uk

Have you ever stopped to consider why your business performs the way it does and what influences affect sales, profit margins and cash recovery? There are obvious factors such as seasonality, Christmas, extreme weather and the recession to name but a few, but some reasons are more subtle and appropriate analysis of these factors can lead to some helpful management information. A useful illustration would be to consider the skipper of a yacht, he knows where he wants to go but to get there he needs to know where he is now and plan ahead. Does he take the shortcut via the rocks or stay in the deeper water? How fast can he go? Too much sail and the wind can burst it, too much speed and the boat becomes difficult to control. So how can you navigate your way through the choppy waters of business and make sure you are in control with the way forward mapped out? Four Steps to Take 1. Understand the information that you need to run the business. 2. Plan how to get this information. 3. Combine the information to give meaning. 4. Present the key findings.

Exhibitions Large Format Printing Roller Banners Pop-ups Vehicle Wrapping tel: 01592 775228 mob: 07751 038168 email: duncan@extantexhibitions.com www.extantexhibitions.com

Management information can, and should be a valuable tool used to help run a business – it is important to understand the information you would like to receive and then compare this to what you actually receive. Improving your management information need not be a costly process and can deliver real benefits.

Provided by Julie Mason, Outsourcing Assistant and Management Accountant, Johnston Carmichael, Perth. Email: info@jcca.co.uk Tel: 01738 634001 Web: http://www.jcca.co.uk

Unit 26, Fife Food & Business Centre, Faraday Road, Glenrothes KY6 2RU THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

Corporate Property Employment Family

Kerr Stirling

Commercial

Litigation Solicitor

Solicitors in the heart of Scotland 10 Albert Place • Stirling • FK8 2QL • Tel: 01786 463414

Required for commerical practice. Would suit newly qualified to 2 years PQE.

KERR STIRLING contact: LLP

The decision to join the Perth Chamber of Commerce might to some Colin Mackenzie was keen to stress that the quality of lawyer Rory Cowan seem an odd one for commercial law ﬁrm Kerr Stirling LLP given they employed by Kerr Stirling remained critical to the expansion plans. Kerr Stirling are based in Stirling. However, the fact that historically a number LLP of He said “To give clients the best advice across a range of professional the partners of the ﬁrm have lived in Perthshire has resulted in Kerr and personal matters 10 Albert Place Stirling FK8 2QLwe have to be able to offer quality advice from Stirling’s client base contains a fair number of well known Perthshire solicitors who have the right balance of technical knowledge and tel: 01786 463414 businesses, organisations and individuals. commercial awareness. I think that is something we achieve.”

or rc@kerrstirling.co.uk

Managing partner Colin Mackenzie comments “We are a niche commercial firm and have long taken the view that there is absolutely no need for businesses in Perthshire to pick up the phone to expensive Edinburgh or Glasgow law firms when good quality commercial advice is available much nearer to hand and at a more competitive cost. I have always felt that being a bespoke commercial practice we can build solid ongoing relationships with our clients and give them that bit more personal attention.” Following the well documented pressures on the property market there has been an emphasis on building on Kerr Stirling’s already strong reputation in the corporate and employment markets and these departments have recently expanded with the appointment of Caroline Litster in the Corporate Department and employment law specialist Alison Forsyth. Employment law in particular is becoming an area of considerable growth within the firm. Alison Forsyth’s strong reputation in the field of employment law has been recognised by more and more clients particularly in the complex area of transfer of undertakings. Alison advises a multitude of clients from small businesses to large corporations and living in Perthshire herself meetings can be arranged at short notice.

Kerr Stirling’s expertise is not reserved to commercial and employment matters. They continue to provide wide ranging advice on property developments and strategic land transactions often for Perthshire based developers. In addition the recent hiring of Judith Higson in the Family Law Department has added to the quality of the team. Judith is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in the ﬁelds of family law and child law and her grasp of the law and handling of often complex matrimonial matters has been particularly impressive. Kerr Stirling look forward to building on their involvement with Perthshire businesses and are delighted to be new members of the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce. If you require any further information please contact Colin Mackenzie on 01786 463414 or e-mail him at cjm@kerrstirling.co.uk.

WORKING FOR A BETTER FUTURE

business support - technology

Employment and skills experts Working Links has been operating from its Carpenter Street office in Perth since December 2007. The organisation helps and supports people who face significant challenges and barriers such as those who have been unemployed for a long time and people with longterm health problems. Since opening three years ago, the company has placed almost 400 people into employment through a specific programme helping those on health-related benefits get back to work. By helping the most vulnerable in society to improve their skills and help them move into jobs with a future, Working Links can create a greater sense of social inclusion. This leads to better health, education, and brighter futures. The team of four in the Perth office helps people across Perthshire and outlying rural areas. From helping people hone their CVs to running mock job interviews to helping with childcare or travel arrangements, Working Links does much more than just provide details of the latest vacancies. It’s dedicated team provides tailored support to those people who are determined to get back into work but who need some extra help. For further information about Working Links visit www.workinglinks. co.uk or call 01738 493 510.

Get blogging for your business!

o take advantage of free blogging, you need to build quality back-links pointing to your website. These can be accomplished quickly and will cost you absolutely nothing. Depending on how well and how quickly you can write some new articles, it is relatively easy to do. These are the 3 most popular free blogging systems: •

Blogger.com

•

WordPress.com

•

LiveJournal.com

How to create your free blog

MCDIARMID PARK

www.mcdiarmidpark.co.uk www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk

•

Write one long article or “post” about your main topic related to your target website. Do NOT write about the target site itself, or any product you may be selling.

•

Near the top of your new post, insert a link around the number one most important keyword phrase that your main website is about.

•

Make this link point directly at the front page of your website. Be sure this link is in the first paragraph at the top of the page or post.

•

Check this post/article over carefully to ensure there are no spelling errors and it reads well. That is important to Google.

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Save that post and “publish” it so that it is available to the world.

Call Linsey on 01738 459090

Special Occasions

Hospitality

Corporate Events

Your blog posts will earn you some nice rating value from Google. You don’t need to publicise these blogs - they do that automatically, all by themselves. Blog technology magically notifies the world about each post you make in seconds.

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

www.raogg.com

Provided by Anne Smith, Director, Broxden Limited, Perth. Email: anne@broxden.co.uk Tel: 01738 450422 Web: www.broxden.co.uk

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

Over the past century, Perthshire has more than played its part in the history of clean sustainable power generation. As the desire to address climate change through renewable energy increases, journalist Maureen Young talks to Scottish Hydro Electric’s project development manager Gerry Scott to look at the part Perthshire has already played and the scope for local power generation in the future.

Perthshire’s Hydro History

he rugged landscape of Perthshire’s hills and glens was to play a key factor in the county’s inclusion in the innovative blueprint for Scotland’s Hydro schemes.

“From the initial vision and drive of Tom Johnston - Chairman of the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board - and the engineering excellence contributed by James Williamson and Sir Edward MacColl, came the power from the glens that transformed Northern Scotland by the creation of electricity from the hydro dams that they planned and created,” related Gerry. “To this day, one of the most important contributers to hydro power remains the Tummel Valley Scheme.”

The Tummel Valley catchment area extends over 1839 square kilometres of the Grampian mountains and contains some of the most rugged and remote parts of the Scottish Highlands and Perthshire Highlands. The Grampian Electricity Supply Co. built the power stations at Rannoch and Tummel Bridge in the 1930s. Today there are nine power stations within the Tummel Valley Scheme. “The water flow starts in the north around Dalwhinnie where the tiny 2.5 MW Cuaich Power Station in Glen Truim collects water,” explained Gerry, “before discharging into Loch Ericht, the largest reservoir on the Tummel scheme. “On its eastern shore the 2.2MW power station is fed by tunnel from Loch Garry in the mountain above,” he added. “At 45 MW the largest station on the upper part of the scheme is Rannoch which has been producing electricity for over half a century.” In the far west of the scheme, the bleak and desolate moorland of Rannoch lies on the borders of Perthshire and Argyll. Water flowing from the moorland is collected behind Gaur Dam and piped to the 6.4 MW power station on the River Gaur before flowing into Loch Rannoch. In 1953 Gaur became the first power station in Scotland to be fully automated. “From Loch Rannoch the water flows down to Loch Tummel via a small reservoir at Dunalastair then by aqueduct to the next power station at Tummel Bridge. “At 75 MW Errochty Power Station is the largest on the Tummel Scheme. Stone taken from the 10 kilometre-long tunnel supplying water from Loch Errochty is used to face the power station. The distinctive diamond head buttress on Loch Errochty is 354 metres long and 49 metres high - higher than a 15 storey building.” Visitors gazing at the view along Loch Tummel from the famous Queens View will be aware that the scene owes much to the hydroelectric developments in this area. It is reputed that Queen Victoria stopped to picnic at the site of this magnificent viewpoint but the view in her day would have been somewhat different as Loch Tummel was raised by about 5 metres when the nearby Clunie Dam was built downstream. Water from Loch Tummel is diverted to the 61.2 MW Clunie Power Station located where the Rivers Garry and Tummel join, before flowing into the beautiful man made loch at Faskally. “As visitors drive down to the attractive riverside picnic area beside Clunie Power Station they pass under the Clunie Arch, built to the exact dimensions of the tunnel which carries water from Loch Tummel,” noted Gerry. Loch Faskally, the last reservoir on the scheme owes its origins to the construction of Pitlochry Dam.

“The 15 MW power station is built into the dam and by the time the water reaches Pitlochry it may have generated electricity at three or four other power stations during its course down the Tummel Valley,” Gerry explained.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

Pitlochry Dam with its associated fish ladder and the scenic beauty of Loch Faskally are recognised as major tourist attractions, listed amongst the top five in Scotland. Over half a million tourists cross the dam each year and 150,000 enter the Visitors’ Centre in the dam. Perthshire also boasts the impressive Breadalbane Scheme with a total of seven main stations stretching from Lawers to Loch Earn. “The Breadalbane scheme in the mountainous region around Loch Lyon, Loch Earn and Loch Tay in Perthshire contains valleys with high peaks above 900 metres high,” explained Gerry. “The Lawers section collects water and diverts into Lochan-naLairige, the main storage area which lies in the pass between Loch Tay and Glen Lyon. The water is held back by Lawers Dam, a massive buttress-type dam 344 metres long and 42 metres high.” Finlarig Power Station on the shores of Loch Tay uses this water and at 415 metres is one of the highest within the Scottish Hydro schemes. The Killin section has three dams and three power stations with the main storage in Loch Lyon. “The water level was raised about 21 metres when Luberoch Dam was built,” pointed out Gerry. “A system of aqueducts collects water from above Glen Dochart and the River Lochay before flowing down to Loch Lyon.” Cashlie, which receives water from Loch an Daimh feeds into the Stronuich headpond which was created by the construction of a gravity-type dam. Lochay Power Station is fed from Stronuich through a pipeline and tunnel system over 9 kilometres long and is the largest station in the Breadalbane scheme. “The Falls of Lochay above the power station were previously a barrier to salmon,” said Gerry, “but the small power station built at the falls was equipped with a Borland Lift in order that salmon could bypass this obstacle. Two pool type ladders were also built upstream to open up the spawning gravels of the whole river.” To the south-east lies the St.Fillans section of the scheme with two main dams and three power stations. Loch Breaclaich collects water from a series of small streams before flowing to Lednock Power Station. St. Fillans Power Station at the foot of Loch Earn is fed water from Loch Lednock before discharging into Loch Earn. The machine hall of this station is a cavern hewn out of solid rock. From Loch Earn, the water is diverted to Dalchonzie Power Station.

Renewable Energy - Hydro Today

In 1890 the first public supply of hydro-electricity provided power to the Benedictine Abbey in Fort Augustus. It is therefore with some symmetry that the recently constructed Glendoe Hydro-Electric station at the southern end of Loch Ness is the first major hydro-electric scheme constructed in Scotland for almost 50 years. The drop from the reservoir in the Monadhliath mountains above Fort Augustus to the hidden turbine generator beside Loch Ness is 608 metres - the highest head of any hydro station in the UK. The generation capacity of 100 MW can provide enough energy to power every home in Glasgow.

“While large-scale wind farm development has been actively under way since the 1990’s, the recently introduced Feed In Tariff ( FIT) scheme has given a boost to the development plans for both smaller wind schemes and micro generation using a number of different means of generating electricity,” explained Gerry. “The larger wind turbines commonly used in wind farm developments will now be complemented with smaller scale developments and a range of smaller turbines as landowners in suitably “blowy “locations are presented with the opportunity to generate their own green power,” added Gerry.

Micro-generation and FITs

The advent of the FIT has been a shot in the arm to the promotion of micro-generation for homes and businesses as well as landowners. Whether the product utilises wind, solar, geothermal or biomass means of producing cleaner energy the Feed in Tariff support mechanism is widespread. “The costs of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) have been relatively expensive with pay back periods beyond most people’s appetite for investment,” said Gerry. “However, we are now seeing the start of innovative schemes for householders where solar PV panels can be installed at no cost to the homeowner on domestic roofs with the homeowner receiving the benefits of the carbon free electricity produced and the developer obtaining the FIT payment. “This scheme is even being talked about for farmers where a new steading or byre could be provided free of charge in return for agreeing to host the solar PV panels on the roof of these buildings for around a twenty-year period.” Whatever the future of green energy, Perthshire seems wellplaced to play its part as the age of renewables powers onwards. “With limited opportunity for the development of large scale hydro schemes activity is high lower down the production scale,” explained Gerry. “Developers such as Green Highland based in Aberfeldy are working on small-to-medium hydro schemes. “Landowners who are looking to generate revenue from energy production, off-set on-site energy demand and reduce their carbon footprint, have potential partners with the expertise to assess their opportunities and support them through the planning process”

Renewable Energy - Wind

“With the drive for low to zero carbon emission generation, the benefits of hydro energy are being complimented by the recent development of on-shore wind,” explained Gerry. “Wind Power has been used since the 19th century for generating electricity. In 1887 the first windmill for electricity production was built in Scotland at Marykirk near Montrose by Professor James Blyth. “The 10 metre high cloth-sailed wind turbine powered lighting in his holiday cottage – the first house in the world to have wind powered electricity.” As with the hosting of the Tummel and Breadalbane schemes the high grounds of Perthshire are making a notable contribution in the fight against climate change. Working with the local Landowners and Communities, developers have put major investment in to the areas around Drumderg , North West of Alyth, Griffin Calliacher (by Aberfeldy) and Greenknowes (by Auchterarder). Around 170,000 homes could be powered from the combined output of these Perthshire wind farms.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

Perth and Kinross

Business Enterprise Scheme Perth & Kinross Council – supporting the local business community

Economic Development at Perth & Kinross Council operates a business advisory service providing advice and support to businesses across Perth & Kinross. The service aims to encourage more start-up and pre startup businesses whilst continuing to work with and help to develop existing businesses.

Available Business Enterprise Schemes The Economic Development Unit at Perth and Kinross Council offers a range of discretionary programmes to assist new and established businesses in the Perth and Kinross area.

We can offer:

General Conditions for all BES Schemes:

• One to one in-depth advice and support provided for start-up and pre start-up businesses

• Retail sector is excluded • No retrospective claims can be accepted

• Bespoke advice and support for existing businesses to assist with stability and growth

• VAT is excluded

• Signposting to relevant partner organisations In addition to a comprehensive advisory service, there are also a number of financial packages available through the Business Enterprise Scheme:

• Covers capital expenditure only • Repayable if business moves out-with the eligible within 3 years of receiving the grant • Payment made on completion of the project and receipt of evidence of full project spend • Projects must be completed and claimed within 12 months of approval

Rural Business Premises Support Grant Eligible Area All of Perth and Kinross excluding Perth and Scone Eligible Sector • All sectors except retail Scheme Details • Companies must demonstrate that expansion of their business premises is essential to ongoing business expansion and growth • Also applicable for projects where expansion of existing buildings can accommodate new start businesses • Expansion of premises and minor property improvements • Grant limited to maximum of 50% of eligible costs (exc. VAT) up to £15000

East of Scotland Investment Fund Eligible Area All of Perth and Kinross Eligible sectors • All sectors except retail, professional services, personal services, property development, sale/resale of motor cars, social services, pubs and clubs Scheme Details • Loan finance to new and growing SME’s • The business must clearly demonstrate a funding gap • At least 50% of the funding package must come from the private sector • Loans up to a maximum of £50000 • Maximum repayment period is 5 years • Can be used for working capital, capital expenditure, purchase, refurbishment or expansion of commercial property • All other possible sources of ﬁnance must have been explored

If you think you have a potentially eligible project or would simply like to discuss your business ideas with a local Business Advisor, please contact Economic Development on 01738-477940 or by email: economicdev@pkc.gov.uk

Rural Enterprise Growth Grants Eligible Area All of Perth and Kinross excluding Perth and Scone Eligible Sector • All sectors except retail Scheme details • Maximum grant rate 50% of the cost of the project up to a maximum of £6000 (exc. VAT) • Start up and existing businesses are eligible to apply Projects eligible for assistance: • Start up and business expansion projects • Adoption of new innovative products and processes

Perth & Kinross Business Start-up Grant Scheme Eligible Area All of Perth and Kinross Eligible Sector • All sectors except retail Scheme Details • The business must be within its first year of trading or be a potential start-up • Grant limited to a maximum of 50% of eligible costs (exc. VAT) up to £1500

star awards

BUSINESSES SHINE AT STAR AWARDS

A family-owned convenience shop chain has been named Perthshire’s top business. David Sands lifted the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce 2010 Business Of The Year title at a glittering Business Star Awards ceremony in Crieff. Delighted staff from the 163-year-old business cheered as the company secured the Business In The Community category award before going on to claim the overall title. Around 300 guests heard how David Sands captured the judges’ vote for its activities in the communities where it has a presence. The company currently operates 29 licensed convenience stores throughout Perthshire and Fife, employing around 700 people. Perthshire Chamber of Commerce President Paul Shields said: “Through their presence, their service and their support to all age groups – which is vital in many areas – they have prompted national thinking, provoking the Scottish Government to adopt nationally the challenge to tackle underage and binge drinking. “Their outstanding professional approach at all levels of business sets them apart and makes them worthy winners of the 2010 title.” Mr Shields made three special President’s awards for contributions to the business community which went to Provost John and Lady Provost Sara Hulbert, Highland Spring, and Caithness Glass head designer Sarah Peterson. Nine Category award winners all secured a bespoke piece of Sarah Peterson glassware which combined the essence of the Perth 800 logo with the Chamber’s recognisable Star Award profile. Chamber Chief Executive, Vicki Unite, said: “We are always amazed at the high standard of entries and this year was no exception. The standard continues to improve year on year and we were delighted to see this continue during such challenging times. “It was a fabulous night and it was great to see the whole business community get together to celebrate this year’s top achievers. The best part of the event is that we know from experience that there can be a real business benefit for winners – and finalists – and that is the underlying reason for our Star Awards.” Other top business titles at Friday evening’s ceremony went to: Employee of the Year Award Alan Berwick, the New County Hotel Highly Commended, Liz Aird, Loch Leven’s Larder

Bank of Scotland Creative Award Highland Spring Group Royal Bank of Scotland Tourism & Hospitality Award Loch Leven’s Larder A & S Properties Marketing Award Binn Skips Highly Commended, Rubesa Coffee Clydesdale Bank Business in the Community Award David Sands Highly Commended, PKAVS

This year’s glittering awards ceremony was held at Crieff Hydro Hotel and was hosted by Radio Tay’s Gary Robinson and Maureen Young with entertainment by Scotland’s top classical trio R3 Tenors. Musical entertainment during a pre-dinner drinks reception was provided by Morrison’s Academy seven piece acoustic jazz band “Band of Substance” which got the evening off to a swinging start. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner with wine and once again Highland Spring provided the water for the evening and The Famous Grouse Experience donated whisky miniatures to round off the feast. Sound and light production and expertise for the show were provided by Catalyst EPS. Filming of finalists and on the night was provided by Johnston Media. A total of £2000 was raised for The Lotus Trust a registered children’s charity supported by local business W2 Training – through a fun-filled Heads And Tails competition. A dinner, bed and breakfast weekend for two package was the prize kindly donated by Stephen Leckie of Crieff Hydro Hotel. Spectacular floral arrangements for the evening were donated by Williamson Design Florist and guests were provided with a free return coach journey by Ptarmigan Solutions with others opting to party into the wee small hours with AIB Entertainments.

Stagecoach Group New Business Award Le Tricycle Highland Spring Customer Service Award Cherrybank Dental Spa A&J Stephen (Builders) Ltd Training & Development Award Live Active Leisure Symphony Hotels & Leisure Retail Award Loch Leven’s Larder

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

Paul Shields with Perthshire Business of the Year Award winner David Sands

Pictures by Graeme Hart. Copyright Perthshire Picture Agency Tel: 01738 623350 Mobile: 07990 594431

star awards

Stagecoach Group New Business Award – Le Tricycle Le Tricycle offers a visually nostalgic treat, serving traditional Perthshire ice-cream and confectionary, presented with panache. The business is based around a traditional 1920’s ice-cream tricycle, complete with eye-catching green livery, bell and basket, which offers locally produced and beautifully presented products. Operating in Larghan Victory Park in Coupar Angus, Le Tricycle also peddles along to weddings, parties and events throughout Perthshire. The judges commented that Le Tricycle is an inspiring example to anyone considering setting up in business: if you have an innovative offer that fills a gap in the market and are prepared to take the plunge, you can make your idea a reality. Stagecoach New Business of the Year Award...Steven Stewart presents the award to winner Gwenda Minto of Le Tricycle

Highland Spring Customer Service Award – Cherrybank Dental Spa

Highland Spring Customer Service Award...Chris Livingstone presents the award to winner Elaine Halley of Cherrybank Dental Spa

Cherrybank Dental Spa is proud to provide the greatest comfort for their general and cosmetic dentistry patients at their modern Perth and Edinburgh practices which are equipped with the latest technology. Dr Halley and her team aim to help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, while ensuring that your teeth and gums stay healthy for a lifetime. Customer focus is described as being ‘the absolute core’ of the Cherrybank Dental Practice and their Customer Service Policy is based around the team’s mission to exceed expectations. The judges felt that Cherrybank Dental Spa provided an exceptional level of customer care going well beyond the norm that you would associate with this profession. Indeed, the customer service and customer care could only describe as an industry leading, with this being a shining example for others in the profession to aspire to. The judges commented that Le Tricycle is an inspiring example to anyone considering setting up in business: if you have an innovative offer that fills a gap in the market and are prepared to take the plunge, you can make your idea a reality.

A&J Stephen (Builders) Ltd Training & Development – Live Action Leisure Live Active Leisure provides leisure and sports facilities across Perthshire, as well as specialist management, development and operation services across a range of areas. These facilities provide particular value in terms of the quality of life currently available to residents and visitors to the Perth and Kinross area. The company recognises the need for significant investment towards staff training and development, to ensure they have the ability and skills to effectively fulfil their roles. During 2009/10 Live Active Leisure provided 5200 hours of training coverage over 180 subject matters. The judges were impressed at the commitment, vision, leadership and enthusiasm that persuaded them that they are worthy winners of this cateogory.

A&J Stephens Training and Development Award...John Stephen (left) presents the award to winners Live Active Leisure from left, Diane Gaffney, Tricia Stewart, Jim Moyes and Gary MClean

Symphony Hotels & Leisure Retail Award – Loch Leven’s Larder

Symphony Hotels and Leisure Retail Award...Mike Sheffield presents the award to winner Emma Niven from Loch Leven’s Larder

In 2002 Robin and Emma Niven began farming at Channel and Pittendreich farms, growing vegetables for supermarkets. Loch Leven’s Larder was partly born out of their frustration at the lack of locally grown produce available in the shops. The food hall and delicatessen specialises in an extensive range of local and Scottish produce while the cafés offer both table and self service. The gift shop combines an eclectic mix of contemporary giftware with quality European ranges. Loch Leven’s Larder highlight their passion to promote Perthshire and Scotland year round while embracing an ethos of local seasonality and provenance. What made Loch Leven’s Larder stand out as a winner to the judging panel was the personal attention made by Emma Niven in respect of lighting, unusual displays and her dedication to get her staff team as enthusiastic about the business as she is. THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

star awards

Bank of Scotland Creative Award – Highland Spring Group Based in Blackford with over 400 employees, Highland Spring Group is the UK’s leading supplier of naturally sourced waters. Over recent years Highland Spring Group has adopted their unique Kiosk system which delivers real time production information to the shop floor. This unique, bespoke software was designed in-house by a small project team who created the system with the aim of improving communication, reducing waste & administration and increasing the performance of manufacture. This innovative and progressive system has prompted much interest from manufacturers and professional bodies from all over the UK. The judges felt that Highland Spring had created a bespoke commercial solution to the challenge of significant and varied periods of downtime for their production machine. This system is now the envy of many companies worldwide. The panel strongly felt that not only were the senior management of the company justifiably enthusiastic about this creation, but also that the front line team players shared the same positive view.

Bank of Scotland Creative Award...Nigel Walker presents the award to winner Bryan McCluskey from Highland Spring Group

Royal Bank of Scotland Tourism & Hospitality Award – Loch Leven’s Larder Winning their second Award tonight, this time for Tourism & Hospitality, Loch Leven’s Larder contribution to tourism in their area was acknowledged. Having set up their farm shop and realising that their farm was situated in one of Scotland’s most picturesque locations, overlooking Loch Leven and surrounded by the magnificent countryside, they added a café to offer visitors the chance to taste the produce straight from the kitchen. The business attracts around 120,000 visitors per year and offers a valuable opportunity for other local suppliers to use them as a marketing outlet which has achieved a Visit Scotland 4 star Tourist Shop rating meaning that the judging panel unanimously agreed to name Loch Leven’s Larder the winner in the Tourism & Hospitality category.

RBS Tourism and Hospitality Award...Vic Bicocchi presents the award to winner Emma Niven from Loch Leven’s Larder

A & S Properties Marketing Award – Binn Skips Limited Binn Skips is a waste management company based in Glenfarg. Their services include skip hire, trade waste collection and recycling. In March 2010 Binn Skips embarked on an ambitious marketing strategy which saw them develop and post a business pack to local companies which demonstrated the cost effectiveness and labour saving impact of improved waste management. This, married with a four week radio advertising campaign and a corporate hospitality day, helped Binn Skips generate over 1700 enquires in the month of April alone and a incredible 25% increase in customers in just three months. The judges commented that their winner produced something truly extraordinary with their campaign. They managed to not only save their customers money but made themselves money and boosted business in a time of recession.

A&S Properties Marketing Award...Avey Mohammed presents the award to winners Binn Skips from left, Carol Holbein-Neville, John McGregor and Iain Taylor

Clydesdale Bank Business in the Community Award – David Sands

David Sands is a family owned convenience retail chain which began trading 163 years ago and currently operates 29 licensed convenience stores located throughout Perthshire and Fife with a workforce of approximately 700. Liaison with other traders and working partnerships with stakeholders, including the police and local authority, has resulted in various initiatives to ensure their “social responsibility” is met in all areas of the business. Various community, environmental and healthy living initiatives have been sponsored and developed, and so too has the company’s recognition of various charities. This winner particularly impressed the judges with their community ethos and clear demonstration of their commitment to the local community and ongoing support of local suppliers.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

Clydesdale Bank Business in the Community Award... Billy Macleod presents the award to winner David Sands

star awards

Perthshire Advertiser Employee of the Year - Alan Berwick Alan has been an integral part of the New County Hotel for the past eight years and has been the driving force behind the many successes and accolades that both the Hotel and Opus One Restaurant have amassed such as their Award for Scottish National Hotel Restaurant of the Year as well as Urban Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Restaurant Awards 2010. Alan is a respected General Manager who is always willing (and often required) to go that extra mile to help everyone and consistently puts others’ needs before his own. It is for this, along with his dedication, dependability and courtesy, that Alan had been put forward for, and ultimately won, the Employee of the Year Award. Perthshire Advertiser Employee of the Year Award Alan Berwick

Chamber Vice President and Crieff

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Hydro Host Stephen Leckie

R3 Tenors from left, Bruce Davies, Bob Crowe and Declan McCusker

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Billy Macleod pre sents a highly commende d to Helen Mackinnon from PKAVS A&S Properties Marketing Award...

Avey Mohammed presents a highly commended to Anne Mackinnon Rubesa and James Urquhart from Rubesa Coffee

of Highland Wylie Woodburn Caithness Glass and (right) and Dr Sarah Peterson of from Paul Shields s ard Aw ’ nts side llege UHI (left) Spring recieve Pre ncipal of Perth Co Thomas Moore, Pri Perthshire Advertiser Employee of the Year Award...

Liz Aird from Loch Leven’s Larder highly commended with PA Editor Alison Lowson

Show hosts Maureen You ng

Pictures by Graeme Hart. Copyright Perthshire Picture Agency Tel: 01738 623350 Mobile: 07990 594431

and Gar y Robinson

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Straight Talking Hard Working Forward Thinking 100% Customer Care Attitude

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

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

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

REDMAYNE BENTLEY S T O C K B R O K E R S

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new member profiles

Companies Direct

COMPANIES DIRECT LTD 5 St John Street Perth PH1 5SP Tel: 01738 500400 Fax 01738 449112 E-mail: sales@companiesdirect Website: www.companiesdirectco.uk Contact: Richard Tanner

Companies Direct are registered providers of company formation and business support services. They help established businesses, professional intermediaries, and ‘New Starts’ wishing to get their business ideas off the ground. All new businesses that are incorporated by Companies Direct also enjoy free bookke eping software and (subject to references) a business bank account with HSBC Bank. With prices starting at just £16.99 per incorporation this represents excellent value. Company Director, Richard Tanner, explains: “We have been providing back office support services to a wide range of clients for some time now. Whether it’s sending out invoices, chasing payments, arranging funding, or running a clients payroll we have the skills to help businesses succeed. What we’re about is helping business owners concentrate on their core skills so that

they can really focus on growth. We provide the necessary back office support and advice to allow that to happen.” In addition Companies Direct provides Director, company secretary, and shareholder services as well as registered, correspondence and virtual offices. Richard says “For small businesses working from home can send out the wrong message and hold back growth. For little outlay our virtual office service provides customers with a great image together with call answering and mail collection. For Members of the Perthshire Chamber Companies Direct are providing a free business consultation and a free one month trial of their services.

Crieff Golf Club

CRIEFF GOLF CLUB Ferntower Perth Road Crieff PH7 3LR Tel: 01764 652397 E-mail: secretary@crieffgolf.co.uk Website: www.crieffgolf.co.uk Contact: David Ramsay

Crieff Golf Club is rated as one of Scotland’s top inland courses. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it provides a feeling of escape. Built on gently sloping parkland, once the grounds of Ferntower House, the courses provide a fair, but challenging experience for all levels of players. Excellent playing conditions and friendly reception to visitors led to the club being voted as one of the top 30 UK golf courses by readers of Golf World magazine. Hosts to the Scottish Boys and Youth Strokeplay Championships and presently the venue for the P.G.A Scottish Championship qualifier and the regional heat of the Virgin Atlantic Pro-Am (the world’s largest Pro-Am). However, The Ferntower course is not only for the big boys, many society and social players enjoy the open nature of the course and the merciful rough.

Corporate packages are tailored to the number of rounds favoured in a season and are very flexible. Individuals may join as Full, Introductory or Pay and Play members. For those new to the game, Academy membership is offered including professional lessons with the club pro David Murchie. Country for those living more than 40 miles away; Intermediate and Junior for those aged 9 -23; Dornock Senior; and Social membership for non golfers, to allow them to use the clubhouse catering and bar facilities complete the variety of packages on offer. The club attracted some 80 new members last season and the Early Bird offer for full membership will be available from February 2011. For further information contact David Ramsay secretary@crieffgolf.co.uk

Chess Telecom

CHESS TELECOM Tel: 0800 152 2552 E-mail: challengechess@chesstelecom. com Website: www.chesstelecom.com Contact: Bob Rylands

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

“Hello fellow Commerce members. We are Chess Telecoms, a telecommunications provider based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, and the latest company to join the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce. Since our establishment in 1993, we have used a combination of skill, experience, innovation and a focus on customer services to deliver exceptional communication solutions to over 60,000 businesses around the UK. Our comprehensive product range designed for businesses includes broadband, line rental, calls, mobile communications, VoIP and data services. Chess’ growth has been recognised by its inclusion in The Sunday Times Tech Track 100 for 3 years from 2006, ranking 32nd fastest growing UK Technology Company and accredited by the Best Company to Work For for the last four years. For 2010, Chess has been listed in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For. Chess has also won various business

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and industry awards including National Business Awards, Federation of Communications Services’ Service Provider of the Year. More recently David Pollock, Chief Executive, won Institute of Directors’ Cheshire Director of the Year and Chess was announced as Cheshire Business Awards’ Employer of the Year 2009. We look forward to building successful relationships with members of the chamber and will hopefully meet many of you at future events.”

new member profiles

Home Farm Breaks (Scotland) Ltd

HOME FARM BREAKS (SCOTLAND) LTD Kinfauns Home Farm Kinfauns Perth PH1 7JZ Tel: 01738 441180 E-mail: info@hfbscotland.co.ukWebsite: Website: www.hfbscotland.co.uk Contact: Marianne Baptie

Set in the heart of the Scottish highlands, this luxury self-catering holiday accommodation offers a unique break away in stunning rural surroundings. Bordered on one side by the A90 commuter link to some of Scotland’s finest towns and most spectacular scenery and the glorious wooded backdrop of Kinnoull Hill on the other, the attractively landscaped complex offers the ideal touring base for long and short breaks. Created by the extensive and sympathetic renovation of a former 19th century listed farm steading and Victorian dairy, Home Farm Breaks offers a choice of state of the art self-catering cottages finished to the highest standard. All holiday cottages are individually designed to retain the character of the old buildings and guarantee that holiday home with a difference. Each cottage is light and airy, featuring spectacular stone and natural wood finishes, decorated in subtle buttermilk and cheerful contrast soft

furnishings, along with hi-spec kitchen and bathroom fittings. Nestling in the foothills of Kinfauns Castle and overlooking the magnificent River Tay, the cottages at Home Farm Breaks offer privacy and seclusion without isolation. The historic City of Perth is only three miles away with Scotland’s capital Edinburgh and Glasgow within an hour’s drive. Home Farm Breaks also offers the ideal centre for sporting holidays with a wealth of activities on the door step. Home Farm Breaks also provides a unique perfect home from home for those with additional needs, providing disability aids on request.

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)

SQA The Optima Building 58 Robertson Street Glasgow G2 8DQ Tel: 0303 333 0330 Email:Geraldine.balfour@sqa.org.uk Website: www.sqa.org.uk/ businessdevelopment Contact: Geraldine Balfour

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is the national accreditation and awarding body in Scotland. SQA offers flexible services that provide a range of opportunities for employers, training providers, professional bodies, awarding bodies, schools or colleges. Whatever your need, SQA can offer its extensive experience as an internationally recognised provider of business qualifications, assessment and quality assurance to work with you to achieve the high standards that today’s learners require. This will give you an advantage when engaging with customers in Scotland, the UK and internationally. SQA’s Business Development Team is committed to providing you with excellent customer service that is focused on your needs and which supports your aspirations for the future. Your Business Development Manager in Perthshire is Geraldine Balfour, who would be happy to meet with you to discuss how we

can work together to deliver for you and your business. SQA’s principal role in the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) programme is to develop the new national qualifications in partnership with the teaching profession, Scottish Government, and national and local partners. Our dedicated Curriculum for Excellence Liaison Team will provide a dedicated resource for every school and college throughout Scotland, delivering support and advice during the transition and implementation phases of the new qualifications. We also want to keep employers and training providers updated with progress. The team will be working in partnership with SQA’s Business Development Team www.sqa.org.uk/ businessdevelopment to ensure that you will continue to receive excellent customer service focused on your needs. Find out more - www.sqa. org.uk/cfeteam

Flonix IT Solutions

FLONIX IT SOLUTIONS LTD Unit 2 Inveralmond Way Perth PH1 3TW Tel: 01738 693003 E-mail: info@flonix.co.uk Website: www.flonix.co.uk Contact: Daniel Lamb

Flonix IT Solutions offers flexible IT support, professional IT project delivery and expert IT advice. They are based in Perth and support small and medium-sized businesses throughout Tayside, Scotland. They excel in delivering a fast, reliable and accountable service to their clients. They take a flexible approach to IT which is determined by their clients business needs. They can operate as the client’s IT department, or add to an existing IT resource within the company. Their people are highly-trained professionals who have the expertise to assess, repair and maintain any PC, Server, network or Apple Macintosh system. Why choose Flonix? Flonix IT Solutions is focused specifically on the business user and implementing bespoke systems to streamline your business. By making your company systems more efficient and cost effective it will keep you ahead of the competition. Their broad industry knowledge and high-calibre

engineers provide expert advice and support that will help to eradicate any technology constraints. Customer service Your success is their success. A word of mouth recommendation for any business is invaluable and they have certainly enjoyed and profited from that experience. That is why they continue to pledge a commitment to delivering an outstanding quality of service to their customers, which they achieve by listening to them and understanding their operational needs. Any new customers will receive 1 month’s free Support (quote Chamber of Commerce).

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

new member profiles

TNT Post

TNT POST SCOTLAND LTD Unit 7b North Caldeen Road Calder Park Coatbridge ML5 4EF Tel: 01236 805805 E-mail niel.jordan@tntpost.co.uk Website: www.tntpost.co.uk Contact: Niel Jordan

Nationally, TNT serve mass-mailers, and regionally, they serve SMEs through their network of five offices and seven depots in Scotland, England & Northern Ireland. They have a diverse customer base with over 6,000 customers spanning public and private organisations across a variety of sectors including, finance, utilities, home shopping, telecoms, retail, councils and NHS Trusts. In 2009, TNT Post handled 2.66bn items of addressed mail in the UK. They have a reputation for innovation and product development. In the last three years, they have launched PC-toletterbox mail service TranSend, yourStamp, CarbonNeutral, greenPost, 3-DM, dataMatters, adScents, FirstSort and adMail. They have a strong environmental proposition - both on a corporate level [recognised through PAS 2020 and ISO 14001 standards] and through the services that they offer.

Their addressed mail services through a downstream access agreement with Royal Mail. Services include: Premier: collection of presorted addressed mail from business senders, transportation throughout the UK and input into the Royal Mail’s mail centres for final mile delivery. PremierSort: a 2-3 day collection, consolidation and sorting of business mail from mail rooms by TNT Post., delivered to Royal Mail for ‘final mile delivery’. Allsort: a 3 day unsorted service for items delivered within the UK and a 4-8 day unsorted service for items delivered internationally. While they will save you money against Royal Mail services, they also have a full local account management team, working closely in a consultative capacity to support in further reducing your mailing costs where possible and increasing your outgoing mail quality.

Hettie’s Catering Ltd

HETTIES 10 Atholl Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AB Tel: 01796 472346 Website: www.hetties-tearooms.com, www.hetties-catering.com Contact: Nick Martin or Claire Pinchbeck

Hettie’s Catering Ltd has spent the first six months of business in a whirlwind of activity. Launched in May this year they have attended T In The Park, opened their flagship Tearoom and fed the Mini Olympiads - amongst many other things! Owned by Clare Pinchbeck and Nicola Martin, the business is set around a chain of Tearooms. The first of these opened with resounding success on 24th July and is, in their words “a big gooey slice of Tea and Cake Heaven.” The pair has pulled together a top team to help them deliver their unique products. Master Tea Blender, Alex, has turned their ideas into 16 different teas which are served up and sold packaged in their Pitlochry tearoom; with a view to selling via their website. Described as “Happiness in a Hamper” we’re assured that Hettie’s Teas are THE Christmas Present!

Hettie’s mouth-watering selection of homebaking from Graeme Maxwell can be enjoyed in the tearoom or boxed up and taken home! Book your Christmas Puddings now! The Outside Catering sees Hettie’s deliver catering and staff for weddings, parties and corporate events but has also delivered food in unusual places with staggering results. A marquee in the middle of Faskally Woods fed the masses at The Enchanted Forest and Perth’s Slow Food Convivium enjoyed a sit down banquet in the Hermitage. They are booked by The Famous Grouse to deliver catering at the Rugby in February and are working on the “2011 Hettie’s On Tour”. To find out more, visit the websites or enjoy the owners’ wild ramblings on facebook, searching for Hetties Catering.

Loch Leven’s Larder

LOCH LEVEN’S LARDER Channel Farm Milnathort Kinross KY13 9HD Tel: 01592 841000 E-Mail: emma@lochlevenslarder.com Website: www.lochlevenslarder.com

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Loch Leven’s Larder is a family run farm, restaurant and retail shop situated three miles from Kinross – in the heart of Perthshire, easily accessible from Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee, which is open seven days per week. The constantly evolving Larder gives you a differing experience on every visit with the seasonal offer, menu and events changing be it Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter. As a family run business, their team and colleagues are at the heart of what they do. They provide quality service, seasonal produce and stylish gifts, their own farm produce, freshly baked goods from their kitchen and a range of Scottish ‘own-label’ products. They are truly passionate about the farming techniques they use and incorporate as much local produce as possible into their menus, believing in the traceability and seasonality of their offer.

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At Loch Leven’s Larder they like to provide customers with the opportunity to indulge themselves in the great scenery whilst enjoying the luscious food, fantastic views and not forgetting the large boutique gift shop (featuring Norwegian and European influences with a twist on tradition) with brands like Ness, SIA, Hume Sweet Hume, Carrie Elspeth, Cowshed, Aigle, Berts Bees and many more! Loch Leven’s Larder employs 68 people, all from the local area, providing locals and visitors with a charming alternative to supermarkets and chain stores with the opportunity to buy fresh, local Scottish produce to take home or to sample when cooked at its best. Shop. Walk. Eat. Come and experience it for yourself!

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Contact us at: 5 St John Street, Perth, PH11 5SP • Tel: 01738 500400 Email: Sales@CompaniesDirect.co.uk • Web: www.CompaniesDirect.co.uk Companies Direct is registered with HM Revenue & Customs as a corporate service provider.

MEMBER TO MEMBER DISCOUNTS One of many benefits of being a member of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce is special offers for fellow members. There are a number of offers already on show with complete details on the Member Only Discounts page of our website. If you are a member and wish to extend a discount to the rest of the membership please contact the Chamber office on 01738 450401 or email events@perthshirechamber.co.uk and for full details visit our website www. perthshirechamber.co.uk on the “Member Only Discounts” menu Steven Bonthrone, Personal Trainer Personal Training session: £35 for one hour instead of £40.The session will include free nutritional advice and lifestyle guidance. Budget Car and Van Rental Special business rates available Chamber members.

Flonix I.T. Solutions Ltd New customers will receive 1 month’s free I.T. support (quote Chamber of Commerce). Gillies & Mackay Ltd Would like to offer a 5% discount on buildings (sheds, summerhouses, garden offices, playhouses etc) to Chamber members. Grainger Public Relations Free introductory meeting. 20% off a day’s rate for first PR project undertaken.

for

Compass Business Services Ltd 10% off the labour cost of any IT work undertaken. Companies Direct Pleased to offer members a 10 % discount on all company formation and business support products and services*. *except basic incorporation package Alex Cairncross Silver Jewellery 10% discount to Chamber Members Craigie Hill Golf Club Midweek Round: £15 (£7 discount) Weekend Round: £20 (also £7 discount). Crerar Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry Members’ rate of £35 per person per night dinner, bed and breakfast, subject to availability. Crerar Scotlands Hotel & Leisure Club 15% Discount on all Spa Treatments and also 15% on any Leisure memberships. DWK Office Solutions Print Audit DWK will assess your current costs and look to make savings. Free Champagne with every successful print audit. Express by Holiday Inn - Perth 3 nights for the price of 2 from £60 per room subject to availability.

The Famous Grouse Experience Free upgrade from an Experience Tour to a Malt Tasting tour when members book in advance.

Keepsafe Storage 30% discount on usual rate. m3 Networks Ltd Free IT Audit together with 1 month free IT Support (subject to a minimum 6 month contract) Macrae and Dick Special business rates available for Perthshire Chamber members on Budget Car and Van Rental Magnum Heating Discount 1 20% off all Magnum Electric Underfloor Heating products when purchased from Magnum Heating Ltd Discount 2 10% off all giftware in the Enerfoil Magnum Showroom @ Aberfeldy Magnum Heating Ltd Marshall’s Garden Machinery 10% discount off RRP for all garden equipment sales. McLeod the Glaziers 10% discount on all products and services from McLeod Glaziers. New County Hotel & Opus One Restaurant 10% discount Tuesday Friday evenings 18.30 - 21.00 plus 10% discount Tuesday - Saturday lunch 12.00 - 14.00

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

WINTER 2010

Park Plumbing & Heating Visit the brand new Bathroom & Tile Showroom and receive a 10% discount on the supply of Showrrom Products. Bring your business card to obtain discount. Perth Racecourse Introductory offer for Chamber members who have NOT previously used the private facilities at Perth Racecourse: 10% discount on advertised price in hospitality packages within website. Perthshire P.A.T. Services Would like to offer an introductory discount of 10% to all Chamber members who use Perthshire PAT Services for their portable appliance testing. Professional Mortgage Advisers Ltd Fee of £250 to members (set fee is currently £295). Salutation Hotel 10% discount to chamber members off any function, Conference or Event at the Hotel. If the event is for more than 100 people accommodation for the organiser and their partner including full Scottish Breakfast is free of charge on the night of the event G Slater Properties 10% discount on stay at 5* Visit Scotland, 2 bedroom flat at 25 Saxe Coburgh Place Edinburgh Something Special Flowers Free consultation with a Designer Florist at your place of business. STV Ask for special rates on production costs etc

Electrical Contractors Domestic / Commercial / Industrial

All types of Electrical Works Undertaken

D.M. Cameron & Co Ltd is a family run business established in 1982 and is currently the largest building contractor in North Perthshire employing over 30 people.

• Lighting • Power • Heating • Smoke Detectors • Fire Alarms • Security Alarms

• CCTV • Inspection and Testing • Portable Appliance Testing • Landlord Certificates • Call-out Service

Available for Sub-contract works

Additional Services include • TV Aerial and Satellite Engineers • Fibre Optic / Voice / Structured Cabling Engineers • Solar Photovoltaic Installers • Satellite Broadband Installers

D M Cameron & Co Ltd, Unit 2, Aldour Industrial Estate, Pitlochry PH16 5LY email: info@dmcameron.co.uk • www. dmcameron.co.uk tel: 01796 473087 • fax: 01796 474353

Let us help you market your business with fabulous packaging

Business Advice from Business Lawyers Employment Advice from Employment Lawyers

Perth 10 Blackfriars Street, PH1 5NS Tel: 01738 637311 Crieff 14 Comrie Street, PH7 4AZ Tel: 01764 655151 Dundee 13 Ward Road, DD1 1LU Tel: 01382 200000

www.millerhendry.co.uk Contact us at: info@millerhendry.co.uk

It’s vitally important that now more than ever your company is seen as being the best in your area for quality products and value for money. This is definitely not the time to be taking a back seat on marketing your company. With your carrier bags and packaging being such a visual representation of your business, push your name and your brand with new, modern packaging. ESC Packaging will help you every step of the way: •

We will reduce your costs for 2010/11.

•

We will update your branding across a wide range of products including carrier bags, paper and polythene bags, tissue paper, stickers, ribbon, tapes as well as across a vast array of takeaway consumables and disposables.

•

We will impress you with our overall commitment to service and quality.

We service Perthshire with a free weekly delivery on orders over £50.00 + vat Our new webshop is ready to be explored. Have a browse at www.eosc.co.uk and if you see something you like, just give us a call and we’ll post you a free sample before you buy. Ferryhills Road, Inverkeithing, Fife, KY11 1HD Tel. 01383 418610 • Fax. 01383 417244 Email. sales@eosc.co.uk • Website. www.eosc.co.uk

Highland Spring

Highland Spring Group: putting Perthshire on the map As the UK’s leading producer and supplier of bottled water Highland Spring Group is one of Perthshire’s best known and respected companies. And its location in Perthshire is crucial, since, the purity of the water the company draws from its organically certified land in the Ochil Hills is the foundation of the successful business. In September the Group announced record annual results for its flagship Highland Spring Group for the year end 31 December 2009, sales increased 7.5% to £54.8 million and operating profits surged to £4.3 million. Highland Spring also retained its position as the number two brand in the UK market against fierce competition from global brands. The company’s sparkling range, which outsells its nearest competitor 3:1 by volume, and kids’ water brand maintained their leading positions throughout 2009. This summer, sales for Highland Spring Group hit £10million for the first time in June, making it the best performing month in the company’s history. The growth was predominantly driven by a 100% increase in sales of single serve bottles, indicating a growth trend for drinking water on the go. Highland Spring is the biggest employer in Blackford and one of the biggest in Perthshire. The company is led by chief executive, Les Montgomery who thinks local staff are a huge benefit to the business. He said: “There is an enormous sense of pride from our staff, especially those who live in Perthshire. Our staff retention rate is extremely high, many having served for 25 years or more. This gives us strong skills and knowledge base and a good team spirit and camaraderie which help give our headquarters a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.” Montgomery continued: “The company’s Perthshire heritage plays an important role in marketing the Highland Spring brand. The majority of staff based at our Blackford plant are locals and extremely proud of the beautiful land in the Ochil Hills from which the water is sourced.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

“Managing our water resources in an ethical way and limiting our environmental impact is a top priority for our business. We go to great lengths to ensure our water is of the highest possible quality and as pure as nature intended.” Highland Spring Group bottles over 350 million litres of water a year and produces a prestigious portfolio of British naturally sourced water with brands including Highland Spring, Speyside Glenlivet, Gleneagles all from Scotland and Green Valley from Wales. It also produces a range of private label waters for some of the UK’s major supermarkets and food service retailers. The acquisition of Dublin based Greencore Water Company in March 2010 resulted in the creation of Highland Spring Group holding company. Maintaining its headquarters at Blackford, Perthshire, Highland Spring Group owns five bottling plants and employs more than 400 staff across the UK with the majority in Perthshire. It has a current production capacity of over 700 million litres of water a year and has an available resource in excess of 2.2 billion litres a year. Les Montgomery has ambitious plans for the business to become a £100 million and 500m litre turnover operation by 2013. Montgomery joined Highland Spring as an accountant in 1985, became financial director in 1994 and took the reigns as chief executive in 2008. He said: “We had a phenomenal 2009 and the results are clear evidence that the strategy we adopted of developing and growing the Highland Spring brand is being rewarded. The increase in sales and profit is testimony to the hard work of all the employees throughout the year. “The bottled water industry has been through a difficult period. Environmental concerns and the economic downturn led to a decline in the market but it has come out fighting and in 2009 returned to growth. “No sector of British industry has escaped the recession and the recent Government spending cuts will only add further pressure on consumer spending. But Highland Spring Group is in a strong position. The acquisition of the Greencore Bottled Water company has enabled two new modern bottling facilities in Wales and Scotland to be integrated into the company. Operating predominantly in the private label sector the acquired businesses will enable Highland Spring Group to provide a complete offering across the water category including flavoured water.”

Organic land in Perthshire Highland Spring is drawn from land certified organic by the Soil Association in the Ochil Hills. No farming, agricultural spraying, building or habitation is permitted and the land has been kept free from pesticides and pollution for more than two decades. It takes around 15 years for the water to filter through the basalt and sandstone strata to boreholes lined with stainless steel which allow the water to be gently pumped to the surface and then down to the bottling plant in Blackford. The Good Shopping Guide, the world’s leading ethical shopping reference book, has ranked Highland Spring as the UK’s most ethical bottled water for the past six years, scoring 100% in its latest Ethical Company Index. Highland Spring is the only bottled water brand to join the Ethical Accreditation scheme and is a proud member of EMAS. The voluntary Eco-Management and Audit scheme requires companies to follow a code of practice dedicated not only to meeting but exceeding the legal requirements for environmental performance. Healthy hydration Highland Spring works hard to promote the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle and is committed to forging the link between active sport and good hydration. In the UK, most people, (especially children), don’t drink enough water or participate regularly in active sport. Through a comprehensive, focused programme of sports sponsorship, Highland Spring promotes the benefits of an active lifestyle to target consumer groups and encourage good hydration as a key part of active sport.

In 2008, Highland Spring signed a sponsorship deal with Sir Chris Hoy: BBC Sports Personality of the Year, four times Olympic gold champion, 10 times world champion and 2 times Commonwealth gold medallist champion, and the first Briton in more than 100 years to complete an Olympic hat-trick. Highland Spring is the official water supplier to Chris Hoy as he competes and trains around the world. Chris works with Highland Spring to inspire and motivate British children to get involved in sporting activities and adopt better drinking habits. Les said: “Sports sponsorship is an important part of our marketing strategy. Our relationship with Andy Murray has taken the brand to an international audience and as a Perthshire boy, Andy is the perfect ambassador for us. He is an inspirational athlete and role model for children and we work closely with Andy, Jamie and Judy to encourage British children to pick up a racquet and try out the sport. “We are an ardent supporter of sport at every level and because good hydration is an important aspect of active sport it’s the perfect fit for our brand. As Britain’s biggest supplier of bottled water and with many of its brands served the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in the world, Highland Spring Group certainly puts Perthshire firmly on the map as a producer of successful and profitable businesses.

The company is a major supporter of UK sport and a long-term sponsor of many national and international events including tennis, cycling, rugby, golf, running and athletics. The company is well known for its support of Dunblane born tennis star, Andy Murray. Highland Spring has sponsored the world number 4 and British number 1 for nearly four years and he wears the logo on his shirt sleeves and drinks the brand as part of his dietary regime. The company also sponsors Andy’s brother Jamie, one of Britain’s top doubles players and 2007 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion, as well as mum Judy, one of the UK’s leading coaches.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

food and drink Journalist Maureen Young investigates the battle to preserve the historic Carse of Gowrie orchards.

Saving Perthshire’s ancient orchards

Little did the holy brothers who drained the carse lands of the Tay in the 15th century realise that 600 years on a group of people would be working tirelessly to preserve the fruits of their labour. Journalist Maureen Young investigates the battle to preserve the historic Carse of Gowrie orchards.

HE fertile carselands between Perth and Dundee are known for their soft fruits and vegetables. But centuries ago the focus was on a very different harvest – the fruits of the historic orchards which established the Carse of Gowrie as one of the main apple, pear, plum and medlar producing regions in the country. It was monks who first planted orchards in the carse in the 15th century. And it was European markets, intensified farming and lack of interest which sounded the death knell for the industry during the 20th century. But now the race is on to protect and revitalise the few surviving ancient orchards and re-establish the historic varieties that once graced tables across Britain. Key to this pioneering project are the Forestry Commission, Tayside Biodiversity Partnership and Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, who joined forces four years ago to rekindle interest in this lost part of Perthshire’s heritage. The idea sparked local interest and funding was successfully sought for the Carse of Gowrie Initiative. The Historic Orchard Forum, which includes orchard owners and interested local residents, was then established and Andrea Partridge was appointed as the Historic Orchard Project Officer. Now the project is utilising 21st century DNA techniques to identify 15th century fruit trees and plans are in hand which could see the Carse awash with spring blossom in years to come. “We’re taking little steps but have big ideas,” explained Andrea. “The ancient orchards have to be saved. They’re part of our heritage – part of our social and economic heritage – here in Perthshire. If we lose them we lose them forever.” The first step on the road to protecting the remaining stock was to carry out a survey of all surviving orchards between the River Tay and the foothills of the Carse of Gowrie. This exercise – in 2007 – identified 52 original orchards of which 17 remain in various states. And all on private land. Of these, nine orchards were deemed “high priority” with the remainder comprising just a few trees each. Megginch Estate proved the largest surviving orchard with substantial amounts of trees at both Port Allen and Grange. “The Carse of Gowrie was one of the key orchard areas in Scotland along with the Forth and Clyde valleys. In recent history, however, a lot of the orchards disappeared under housing schemes, roads or open farmland as the need for Carse fruits dwindled against foreign imports and alternative crops,” explained Andrea. “Those that did escape the excavators fell into neglect and were forgotten about.” The next stage in the bid to reverse that neglect was a tagging exercise to identify each tree and then a condition survey to determine age, height, condition and variety where possible. “Most of the original planting records have been lost and visual identification is fairly difficult,” said Andrea. “Nevertheless, it is essential that the varieties of the remaining old trees are determined

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

so that material from the rarer ones can be grafted to rootstock to maintain the gene pool and the Carse of Gowrie’s own local varieties.” The oldest tree in the recently completed condition survey is around 150 years old and is a pear. “There are obviously no original trees left but the old orchards hopefully still have the ancient varieties,” said Andrea. “Unfortunately, we haven’t identified the varieties so we don’t know if they are unique, foreign or British staples.” Identifying the varieties has become a key part of the project and 60 leaf samples from both apple and pear trees have been sent to Reading University who look after the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale in Kent. Their DNA database will help identify known varieties and flag up any “strangers”. “Our samples are being profiled at the moment so hopefully we will get the results in the new year and plan our strategy from there,” explained Andrea. “There are 7,500 known varieties of apple in the world already but we might throw up something unique.” In conjunction with the Scottish Prison Service, a nursery will be established at Castle Huntly in the Carse where cuttings from the ancient orchard trees will be grafted on to suitable rootstock to ensure the next generation of saplings. “We want the Carse of Gowrie to blossom with its own fruit trees again and the whole area is behind the project,” explained Andrea. “People are planting fruit trees all over the place with Errol becoming a real orchard village – it’s great. We even have one orchard owner who wants to go into production commercially again.” The three organisations behind the partnership project remain committed to the cause and , with the growing public support and enthusiasm, look set to drive the scheme onwards and upwards. Three very successful annual Orchard Festivals have already been held and local groups, schools and organisations have become “experts” in fruit production and juicing through Andrea’s many talks and demonstrations. Orchard Trails – path networks to encourage people to walk or cycle around the ancient orchard sites – are also being encouraged. And classes are being run for anyone interested in learning how to plant, prune and harvest their own trees. “If funding continues we aim to look at establishing the nursery and protecting the brand as we begin to market Carse of Gowrie as an apple and pear growing region again,” said Andrea. “Ron Ghillies at Cairn O’Mhor winery has already around 30 tons of apples in his sheds ready to produce 2,000 litres of cider and juice. We just need to find an outlet for the pears.

“It’s wonderful that an ancient staple which put the Carse of Gowrie on the map all those centuries ago could be revitalised to create new jobs and new money into Perthshire in the future.”

“It’s wonderful that an ancient staple which put the Carse of Gowrie on the map all those centuries ago could be revitalised to create new jobs and new money in Perthshire in the future,” she added. “It’s not just about saving the orchards for this generation, it’s about ensuring that something so enduring is protected and regenerated for generations to come.” Andrea Partridge Carse of Gowrie Historic Orchards Project Officer P4 Projects, 3 Drum Park, Lower Largo, Fife KY8 6DA T 01333 320701 M 07787 536575

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

LTD

empire HR

Dealing with staff issues in the workplace can be difﬁcult and more employers that ever before are becoming embroiled in tribunal cases with former employees. When dealing with employee issues it is crucial to seek the right advice and one of Scotland’s leading experts in employment law, HR and health & safety, Empire HR, has a 24-hour advice line to assist employers in a pragmatic way. CEO Steve Cook said: “Our advice line ensures there is always a fully qualiﬁed HR expert at the end of the phone at any time of the day, providing not only best practice advice, but also commercial advice. “Our headquarters are based in Aberdeen but we have a range of clients across Scotland and the UK so they have continual access to HR advice & guidance which suits them in their current situation.” Empire also offer HR support on a one-off basis - from drafting contracts of employment to undertaking a reorganisation program, right through to helping companies deal with redundancy issues.

Skiing and Snowboarding Equipment Hire and Servicing Restaurants and Shop  

If a company does ﬁnd itself with an employment tribunal claim, Empire’s employment tribunal advocacy unit has extensive experience in representing businesses so can provide full support and representation. Empire has the right knowledge and expertise to support all employers deal with any employment law, HR and health & safety issues. If you require any assitance with HR issues, please contact Empire HR on (01224) 701383. www.empirehr.com

Mountains of Adventure Glenshee Ski Centre Cairnwell, Braemar Aberdeenshire, AB35 5XU PHONE: (013397) 41320 FAX: (013397) 41665 E-mail us: info@ski-glenshee.co.uk www.ski-glenshee.co.uk

Christmas, wrapped up at Murrayshall Join us for an informal festive lunch throughout December, or a sumptuous Dinner. Party the night away at one of our Party Nights, treat the family to a magical Christmas day Luncheon or celebrate with friends at our Hogmanay Dinner Dance.

Murrayshall House Hotel & Golf Courses Scone, Perth, Scotland PH2 7PH Tel: 01738 551171 Email: info@murrayshall.co.uk Christmas, wrapped up.Visit www.murrayshall.co.uk

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

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www.strathallan.co.uk Strathallan is a Scottish Charity dedicated to education. Charity number SC008903

lifestyle

Abade Holiday Cottages in Perthshire The collection of holiday cottages featured in Abade Self Catering Scotland are brought together by one owner, Wilma Marshall, who has more than 30 years experience of running a self catering business in Scotland. All the properties featured are graded by VisitScotland or are awaiting grading, and all properties are personally visited prior to acceptance on the marketing website www.abade.co.uk. Abade, a division of Duncrub Holidays Ltd, offers a bespoke letting service to owners of quality holiday accommodation. No allocation is required which means that owners can continue to take their own bookings at any time. Owners have a password access to www.abade.co.uk where they can:

It’s Good to Talk

- add bookings easily

Effective and efficient communication is the cornerstone of any successful business. Ever since the ancient Egyptians became the first to use carrier pigeons we have been looking for better, faster and more effective ways in which to communicate.

- update prices

We’ve come a long way since the days of the carrier pigeon and tools such as email and social media mean we can connect and communicate with people instantaneously. Technology has transformed the way we communicate but it’s not without its critics. Take instant messaging. Useful, yes, but people now expect responses at lightning speed. It creates a pressure we don’t need in our already busy lives. Some believe we are becoming overly reliant on technology at the expense of the most basic of communication skills, the spoken word. Email, for example, is a vital tool but with it you run the risk of being misinterpreted. It can also be difficult to build a relationship without having face-to-face contact. This is how we establish trust, so it is important technology complements traditional communication, not replaces it. The same applies to our personal lives. I was horrified to read recently that “sofalising” is fast becoming the new socialising. This refers to the increasing amount of people who would rather catch-up with friends online from the comfort of their sofa, as opposed to going out. I don’t know about you, but I’m dreading the day we end up going for virtual beers instead of heading to the pub, so I vote we don’t let the sofalisers take over and try not to lose sight of the importance of the spoken word.

- view availability - set the range of any short break periods offered - add late availability prices The current portfolio of properties has grown by word of mouth, and by owners ﬁnding us on Search Engines but we are now actively seeking further properties.

If you have a holiday cottage that you think would ﬁt into the Abade portfolio, please contact Wilma Marshall at Abade Self Catering Holidays: Telephone 01764 684100, or Email holidays@abade.co.uk to arrange a visit. Joining fee waived in year one for Chamber Members.

PERTHSHIRE P RO P E RT Y

S E R V I C E S

www.perthshireps.co.uk Perthshire Property Services offers Property Lettings and Management. We have Property to let all over Perthshire. Landlord & Property Management Services •Letting & management service •100% DEDICATED TO LETTINGS •Full property management •Let only packages available

As someone once said, it’s good to talk.

•Quality tradesmen used •Fixed landlord fees Advertise your property from only £25+VAT! Provided by Michael McMillan, Operations Director, Exchange Communications Email: michael.mcmillan@exchangecommunications.co.uk Tel: 0870 085 5000 Website: www.exchangecommunications.co.uk

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

Tenants Accompanied viewings, friendly staff. Low credit checking costs. First Floor 48 Scott Street Perth PH1 5EH Telephone - 01738 561409 Email - info@perthshireps.co.uk

The Hangar

Norman Salmoni Opticians

‘Perth’s Perfect Venue for Corporate Events’

F P

If you’re looking for a venue with a difference to host your next corporate event then look no further than The Hangar at Perth Airport.

• Free NHS eye examinations

Set within the beautiful surroundings of Perthshire, and just four miles out of Perth City Centre, our venue is the perfect location for your next corporate event.

• In-house repair

From hosting the Rally of Scotland 2010, team building days in the air with Blades and product launches our venue offers clients a whole range of different event packages tailored to suit their needs. We have everything you need on site – ample free broadband and wi fi facilities, a restaurant and various different room layouts. You can even take your event outside if you wish and take advantage of our 800 acres of land.

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The Hangar offers exceptional value and our experienced Events Team will provide as much input as you need. Just let us know what you want and when.

• Full contact lens service

LPED

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E D F C Z P

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F E L O P Z D

159 South Street, Perth, PH2 8NY D ETel:F01738 P O627080 T E C email: info@normansalmoniopticians.com L E F O D P C T www.normansalmoniopticians.com F D P L T C E O

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Working alongside Graham is Carolyn Working alongside Graham is Carolyn Guesford, who together provide 24-hour Guesford, who together provide 24-hour for families the Dundee care care for families acrossacross the Dundee area. area. Funeral Director Graham Millar and Funeral Arranger Carolyn Guesford. Funeral Director Graham Millar and Funeral Arranger Carolyn Guesford. The team at MacAlpine canadvice offer advice The team at MacAlpine Road Road can offer

Scottish Accountancy Awards Medium Firm of the Year 2008, 2009 and 2010

When booking quote: Perth Chamber

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Membership benefits The Chamber is an independent, voluntary, non-profit making, non-political business organisation dedicated to the furtherance of members’ interests. It is the largest private sector business support organisation in Britain. The Perthshire Chamber of Commerce is managed by a Board of fifteen business people elected from among the membership. Day-to-day operations are managed by the Chief Executive, Vicki Unite, and Office Support and Events Coordinator, Karen Wright, based at the Chamber’s office at the Algo Business Centre, Glenearn Road, Perth, PH2 0NJ. The Chamber can be contacted by telephone on 01738 450401 or by email: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk

Chamber Services Chamber Events

We run a wide range of events to appeal to all our members. Events include monthly networking breakfasts, regular lunches and evening visits which are held in Perth and also the surrounding area of Perthshire and Kinross. Business support is provided via free mentoring seminars and a bespoke training programme.

Chamber Magazine

This quarterly Chamber Magazine – InCommerce – contains news items and items of interest to Chamber members. 2500 of these are distributed around the whole of the Perthshire area – to members and non-members so is a great way to raise the profile of your business. The magazine also offers cost-effective advertising opportunities and prices include the design and makeup of your advert. Chamber Information Hotline

Monthly Lunch/High Tea Programme

Series of events enabling networking alongside the sharing of business expertise and knowledge sharing with or without a speaker.

Through its contacts and networks, the Chamber can help members find answers to immediate business problems. Chamber Year Book and Appointments Diary

Monthly Networking Breakfasts

Very successful programme of breakfasts to facilitate effective, structured networking without impacting on your working day. Free Business Lectures Series

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and Perth College UHI have teamed up to deliver a series of free lectures designed to inform and inspire local businesses. Held in the College’s Brahan lecture theatre which is sponsored by the Chamber Platinum Partners, each Platinum Partner will take a turn to put up a speaker and bring together those in education and business. For more information on the Business Lecture Series, see www. perthshirechamber.co.uk.

Annual events include: Annual Conference, Wednesday 20th April 2011, ½ day Perth College UHI

Our fourth highly successful Annual Conference will take place over half a day on Wednesday 20th April 2011 at Perth College UHI. Perthshire on a Plate

This mouthwatering two day event featured leading local talent, exhibitors, traders and experts cooking up a storm for this brand new event from Perthshire Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Perth’s 800th Anniversary. The event boasted visitors HRH The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward and celebrity chef and “King of the Jungle” Gino D’Acampo and showcased the best of Perthshire’s larder. Annual Dinner & Business Star Awards

This glittering evening celebrates Perthshire’s award winning businesses and takes place in November each year. Around 300 guests attend this black-tie event where the winners are announced and awards collected. Applications are available for any business registered in Perth & Kinross and this is an excellent chance for publicity for your business and a fabulous evening to enjoy with like-minded business people. Look on our website for current winners!

This helps other Chamber members contact your business, easily and quickly. It includes company name, type of business, address, telephone, fax, email and principal contact. Members are included in it free of charge. It is issued free annually to members. Scottish Chambers of Commerce Directory

This is a classified listing of all members of all Scottish Chambers. Again, Perthshire Chamber members are included free of charge and receive a copy annually. This is also available in an electronic version on the Scottish Chamber’s website.

Chamber Voice Local Representation

The Chamber is represented on a variety of organisations and committees. It has regular meetings with Perth & Kinross Council, local MPs, MSPs and MEPs and with Scottish Enterprise Tayside at which it promotes members’ views. The Chamber is in a stronger negotiating position than individual members can be and uses its bargaining power for the benefit of members. National Representation

The Perthshire Chamber of Commerce is affiliated to Scottish Chambers of Commerce and through the latter’s Council ensures that Perth & Kinross issues get heard at national level. Scottish Chambers of Commerce is based in Glasgow and keeps especially close to the Scottish Parliament and its ministers. Chamber Telecom

Chamber Business Support

Chamber Telecom offers substantial reductions on member companies’ telephone bills. Chamber Telecom groups the best product offerings from leading telecom suppliers on to one bill, to provide members with an improved service at a reduced rate. This service is consistent with one of our key aims at the Chamber, to help our member companies cut costs and be more productive. This particular scheme delivers a high quality service, which ranges from data transfer to Internet connectivity, with minimum hassle and maximum saving.

Business Mentoring

Chamber Health Care

Business Mentoring is a free service for Chamber members to link those looking for a mentor with those wishing to support new, local businesses and use their extensive business experience by mentoring another. Free series of evening seminars where experts offer advice on “How to…” deal with various areas in your business from a “been there, done that” approach.

The Westfield Health Scheme – Foresight Healthcare Plan provides a cost effective solution to many of the challenges you and your organisation face today. The plan can help you reduce absenteeism; recruit and retain your staff; improve productivity and workplace efficiency; improve staff morale, motivation and lessen grievances; ensure that employees cope with work related and personal problems; fulfil your health and safety obligations; provide early intervention with diagnostic benefits and position the organisation as a caring employer. It is easy to introduce and administer; a low cost alternative to private medical insurance (or can be used in combination); a valuable tool in wage negotiations; cost can be offset against corporation tax.

Chamber Training Courses

Chamber members can take advantage of great rates through the Chamber’s exclusive training programme which has been created to enhance what is currently available to local businesses through organisations such as Business Gateway and Chamber members. This programme has been specially created to reflect our members’ needs and requests.

Chamber Communication

Contact the Chamber office for further details on any of the above or refer to the website www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

Chamber Website

Members may use the Chamber’s website for free to promote their goods and services and events over the Internet. Members are also listed in the Scottish Chambers online directory. Our website attracted on average 153,951 hits per month last year so offers a great web presence.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

EVENTS 2011 January Wed 5

Chamber Office Reopens

Thurs13

Chamber Networking Breakfast

Crieff Hydro Hotel, Crieff

7.30am - 8.45am

Tues 18

Part 3: Chamber Business Listening Lunch Series

Lovat Hotel, Perth

12noon for 12.30pm - 2.20pm

Thurs 20

Chamber Business Lecture Series 2: Clydesdale Bank

Perth College UHI, Perth

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Mon 31

Board Meeting*

Algo Business Centre, Perth

5.30pm - 7.00pm

Tues 15

Bacon Butties & Better Contacts

Lovat Hotel, Perth

8.00am - 11.00am

Thurs 17

Chamber Business Lecture Series 3: Bank of Scotland

Perth College UHI, Perth

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Mon 28

Board Meeting*

Algo Business Centre, Perth

5.30pm - 7.00pm

Tues 1

Chamber Networking Breakfast

Brig Farm Shop. Bridge of Earn

7.30am - 8.45am

Thurs 17

Chamber Business Lecture Series 4: A&S Properties and Symphony Hotels & Leisure Ltd

Perth College UHI, Perth

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Mon 28

Board Meeting*

Algo Business Centre, Perth

5.30pm - 7.00pm

Tues 12

Chamber Evening Event

tbc

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Wed 20

Chamber 1/2 day Conference

Perth College UHI, Perth

12 noon - 5pm

February

March

April

* These are closed meetings, but if you wish to have an issue raised at the Board meetings, please contact the Chamber office.

Business Listening Lunch Series Join us for the third and final part of our Listening Lunch Series on Thursday 18th January to hear Perth and Kinross Council’s Chief Executive, Bernadette Malone, and Depute Chief Executive and Executive Director of Environment Services Jim Irons address guests on the implications of the Budget cuts to the area and take questions from the floor. As this topic is of such importance to the area non-members and guests are more than welcome. The event takes place at 12 noon for 12.30pm until 2.20pm at the Lovat Hotel . Networking/Breakfast Events As you can see our popular Networking Breakfasts kick off next year at Crieff Hydro Hotel as part of our ongoing campaign to enhance the range of events held outwith Perth itself. So far we’ve been up to PItlochry and out to Creiff and Blairgowrie and are in discussions for more events in areas including Kinross, Aberfeldy and Auchterarder, so please check our website for updates as dates and venues are confirmed! These events will be great for businesses in those areas but also offer the opportunity for business based outwith each specific location to have a presence and meet new contacts. Our second breakfast of the year sees us joining with Events for Business and together with Janet Torley we will have a terrific co-ordinated morning of structured speed networking and guarantee you’ll meet everyone else in attendance face to face. Free Business Listening Lunch Series Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and Perth College UHI have teamed up to deliver a series of free lectures designed to inform and inspire local businesses. Held in the College’s Brahan lecture theatre which is sponsored by the Chamber

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

winter 2010

Platinum Partners, each Platinum Partner will take a turn to put up a speaker and bring together those in education and business. For more information on the Business Lecture Series, see www.perthshirechamber.co.uk. Board Meetings Our Board meetings are closed events, but as a member, if you wish to highlight any issues for that we can raise for discussion we can add this on to the agenda. We try also to combine our Board meetings with a visit to a member who ordinarily could not host a Chamber event as such. In the past we have been lucky enough to be hosted by companies such as Vector Aerospace where we were taken on a tour and learned a lot about this company on a very informative and interesting visit. If you would like to educate the Board on your business and are able to host us, please do make contact with the Chamber office for further details. Suggestions welcome… We are constantly enhancing our programme of events and looking for new members’ venues to visit. If you have any ideas or suggestions then please do let us know and we may be able to create a new type of event with your business in mind. Sometimes companies have facilities we are not aware of and we would be delighted to promote these. If you would also like to suggest different types of events please contact us. We are your Chamber and the more ideas and input we receive, the better we can provide what you need. Booking for all events and further information at: www.perthshirechamber.co.uk or by calling: 01738 450401 or by emailing: events@perthshirechamber.co.uk

It’s Party Time at The Hangar! t gues r u o Be night e h t for only m o r f m r roo e p 0 £2

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Party nights available Friday 17th, Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd. Group bookings of 20 or more receive 10% off ticket price Tickets £29.50 p.p. (includes three course meal, wine and disco) - a £10 pp deposit is required

www.morrisleslie.com

To book call the Events Team on 01738 550009 or email thehangar@morrisleslie.co.uk