Stirling Eye - Autumn 2008

Autumn 2008

Inside this issue...

Special feature on the University of Stirling Attracting talent and encouraging enterprise

Forthside development takes shape Outline of proposed developments

Local business news State of the art spa and health facilities for Aberfoyle hotel

Business space Opportunities at Bandeath

Business profile Stirling Klondyke Garden Centre

Planning update Applications submitted for Forthside

0845 277 7000

Contents

Welcome

Local business news

3

Business profile: Klondyke Garden Centre

8

Stirling Business Panel Executive Group meets for first time…

9 9

In this edition of Stirling Eye we

Forthside

profile Klondyke Garden Centre,

development

which has operated for over 20

and our new

years in Stirling. Like the plants

development

Stirling Eye investigates new consumer laws

that they grow in their own nursery,

company,

At your service: Property Team

10

the business has grown strongly

which will

Retail Capacity Study

12

over the years and Klondyke now

help us to deliver our key objective of

12

operate a number of garden centres

sustainable economic growth in the

TERMS Rural Mentoring Project moves into a new phase

in the UK.

years ahead.

Height of fashion in Stirling’s Arcade 12

From green fingers to greening the

I hope that your business continues to

planet I am also pleased to see

grow and thrive in Stirling.

the launch of the Going Carbon Neutral Stirling project, which the Council has supported, and which is highlighted in our local business

Enhancing the evening economy

13

New LEADER awards

13

Local Farmers Markets

13

Special feature - Forthside

14

Business space developments

16

Planning applications update

16

New village planned at Durieshill 17

news.

Stirling continues to grow too with progress being made on the planning stages for the proposed

Sector feature: Business services

18

30 second interview

19

Making a show of it!

20

new village at Durieshill and the

Councillor Scott Farmer

20

new offices to be developed at

Tourism Grants for Innovative Projects

Depute Leader of Council and

Forthside. In tune with this growth

Microsoft Challenge

20

Corporate Resources and Economy

theme Stirling Eye features the

portfolio holder.

Interview with Colin Crabbe, Scottish Enterprise

21

Special feature: University of Stirling 22

If you need this information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language please contact 0845 277 7000 and quote reference number 7064.

Cover photo: Julia Lippert, Head Therapist at the Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Resort.

Photo by Seth Gardner.

Go-ahead for £12m Stirling Castle project

25

Scottish Fashion Awards

25

Economic facts

26

Forthcoming events/training

28

Stirling Eye is compiled and produced by Stirling Council Economic Development Department.

If you have any interesting news with a business or economic focus, or would like to comment on this publication, please contact: Joëlle Russell, Business Research & Intelligence Executive Environment Services, Economic Strategy & Intelligence, Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET Tel: 01786 442778 Email: russelljl@stirling.gov.uk Web: www.stirling.gov.uk Printed on recycled paper.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Stirling company scores Olympic gold

Local business news

Stirling design specialists tensARC Ltd provided a cutting edge motorised roof in record time for the 2008 Olympic equestrian venue at Shatin Race course in Hong Kong.

Working with a small team of UK companies, the team designed, manufactured and delivered the 300m2 ‘clam shell’ roof in just seven months. As experts in tensile fabric architecture and deployable structures, tensARC’s work has been used at venues across Scotland and the rest of the UK, prior to exporting their designs to China.

As Ben Maher and Rolette and the rest of the British show jumping team performed at the main equestrian arena, the fabric roof provided shelter for the world media as they covered all of the action. The retractable roof’s built in motors enable the entire structure to fold like a clam shell in a cyclone to protect both the roof and any equipment left underneath.

New Park and Ride unveiled at Castleview Macdonald Hotels & Resorts recently opened a £2m spa and health centre at the Forest Hills Hotel & Resort on the banks of Loch Ard near Aberfoyle.

The new facilities are the culmination of a 5-month redevelopment project overseen by Project Managers Thomas Johnson, complementing ongoing refurbishment of the hotel’s 50 bedrooms.

While the 4-star hotel previously had a leisure club, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts decided to renovate and extend the leisure facilities to improve customer satisfaction and the resort’s appeal as a short break and holiday destination. The new spa has a number of state of the art treatment rooms offering a range of therapies and beauty services. A relaxing ‘mood’ shower compliments the swimming pool, sauna and steam room and the development also includes a Technogym gymnasium.

Kerry McLean, Revenue Manager said: “With 50 hotel bedrooms and 65 self-catering apartments on the resort, we are pleased to offer new and improved facilities. We are also using the development to re-launch the resort as a holiday destination, with extensive and modern health and wellbeing facilities.”

“Along with the new health club facilities and spa, we have been working with a number of local companies, including Go Forth, Go Ape and the Nick Nairn Cook School, to provide an extensive range of activities for visitors. “ “Recent corporate events hosted at the hotel have included a VisitScotland residential conference and a variety of corporate away days for Glasgow Caledonian University, HBOS and Pricewaterhouse Coopers and we look forward to hosting a series of events for Miller Construction in the near future.” www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

A new £1.8m Park and Ride facility was unveiled at Castleview on 25th August.

The Castleview Park and Ride is located opposite Castle Business Park, just off Junction 10 of the M9 motorway. The buses run every 12 minutes into the city centre, with stops along the way including the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Dumbarton Road, Viewforth, King’s Park and Stirling Golf Club.

Fares cost £1 return for adults, with cost saving season tickets also available.

Andy Kennedy, Stirling City Centre Initiative Manager said: “For Stirling’s business community, the new facility provides a cost effective and secure alternative to parking within the city centre. This will help free up city centre parking for customers, help businesses and staff reduce their carbon footprint and also reduce costs.”

For more information on fares, season tickets and times, please visit www.stirling. gov.uk/parkandride

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Local business news Bringing fresh produce to the city

Ian Williams, John Bremner, Nancy Bremner, Roy Hogg

Campbell Dallas expand in Stirling Campbell Dallas, Scotland’s third largest firm of Chartered Accountants, have recently moved to new premises in Gladstone Place.

George Walker, a registered fisheries expert with 50 years experience in the

Ian Williams, the firm’s Chairman, who is based in Stirling, said “We have moved to larger premises to cope with our ever increasing client base. We can offer a high level of service

fish trade, has opened a fishmongers at

including tax planning, corporate finance, audit and insolvency and therefore continue to recruit

50 Barnton Street, Stirling. George is

new, high profile and progressive business clients.”

keen to do his bit to help bring fresh fish back to where it belongs – on the high street.

As a result of their move and continuing success, the firm have recruited an additional

Did you know?

6 members of staff to take their total number of staff to 14, including resident partners Ian

George commented:

With a strong Government-backed emphasis on healthy eating and on sourcing quality fresh produce, my feeling is that customers are returning to their traditional buying roots. They want home-grown fruit and vegetables, where possible. They will travel to the local farm shop or butcher for their meat and poultry requirements. Similarly, I see customers following suit when it comes to fish. The traditional high street fishmonger is very much an extension of this buying outlook.

Did you know?

George of George Walker Master Fish Monger in Stirling used to work as a fish buyer for Harrods in London.

Williams and Roy Hogg.

John Bremner (83), is the oldest Campbell Dallas client in Stirling working in dentistry.

World Cup winners – regardless of the result Small Majority Productions, based in the Old Town Jail, are helping the Tartan Army on their travels across Europe in the World Cup 2012 qualifying campaign.

In collaboration with Stirling based Team Talk International, the company has been commissioned to produce five video guides that will feature on the Scottish Football Association website. They will cover Iceland, Macedonia, Norway and Holland. The guides will feature tips on local customs to promote understanding, advice on local laws, some key translations, how to get to the game and the best watering holes – all the things that will foster relationships between different footballing nations in a positive way.

The crew have had the pleasure of meeting and filming Scotland manager George Burley, together with a colourful cast of characters in each country, plus access to the recent friendly with Croatia at Hampden.

The guides will be available at www.scotlandsupportersclub.com/ later in the year.

STIRLING EYE

Focus Focus on on the the local local economy economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Local business news

Stirling businesses sponsor Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition

A number of local businesses are sponsoring an exhibition of the works of Leonardo da Vinci at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery to celebrate the 60th birthday of HRH The Prince of Wales.

Ten of the Royal Collection’s finest drawings by the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci will travel to four museums and galleries across the United Kingdom in 2008-9. The exhibition, which will be supported by the Friends of the Smith, is currently visiting the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, until 2 November 2008.

Cllr Colin O’Brien, Chairman of the Stirling Smith Trustees, said: “It is an honour and a privilege for the historic City of Stirling to be chosen as the only Scottish venue to exhibit works of art that are among the greatest treasures of Her Majesty The Queen’s collection.”

“I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks to all who have been instrumental in ensuring that this unique exhibition comes to Stirling. The Friends of the Smith, the local community and local businesses have been an integral part in the preparation for the exhibition.”

Leonardo Da Vinci, A port rait of a young wom an (detail) Ro yal Collection © 2008 HM Th e Queen

The principal sponsor for the exhibition is Capita, other sponsors include: Stirling Development Agency, Elphinstone (Innovators in Property), Diageo (European Technical Centre), FES Ltd, Scott Group Limited, Gladedale, Scotia Wind Renewables, Bell and Craig, Arts & Business Scotland, Arnold Clark, Ian White Associates. The exhibition has also been supported by the Gordon Fraser Charitable trust, Stirlingshire Educational trust, Friends of the Smith, Margaret Sowter, The Guildry of Stirling, Bobby Halliday Architects, Museums and Galleries Scotland, Graham’s Dairies and Stirling Council.

Have you claimed your small business bonus?

Facelift for National Wallace Monument visitor centre Upgrading work has begun at the National Wallace Monument visitor centre. The upgrade includes significant enhancements to the visitor centre, including construction of a striking new reception building, with restaurant and terrace providing panoramic views of The Abbey Craig and The Monument, and re-configuration of the Visitor Pavilion, which houses a ticket sales desk and retail area.

The National Wallace Monument was constructed nearly 140 years ago to commemorate the life of Scottish patriot and martyr Sir William Wallace. Provost Fergus Wood said: “The National Wallace Monument is a major visitor attraction – not only for Stirling but for all of Scotland. The first impression that visitors gain on arriving at such an important venue is really important, and this project will ensure that the entire experience for visitors lives up to their expectations, and gets their visit to The Monument off to the best possible start.”

The redevelopment project is being jointly funded by Stirling District Tourism and by Scottish Enterprise, with additional support provided by the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust. Construction began in May with completion scheduled for early next year.

Businesses with rateable values up to £15,000 are due a Small Business Bonus and may have their rates reduced by between 20% and 80%.

The level of relief for each business depends on: l

The total rateable value of all properties, in Scotland, that the business owns;

l

Whether or not each property is eligible for one of the existing rates relief

Forth Construction welcomes landmark 250th member

schemes; and l

The level of other public sector assistance received by the business.

Rok Stirling has become the 250th company to take up membership with Forth Construction.

Rok reported that joining the Forth Construction scheme has provided them with a vehicle to engage with the local construction community. Forth Construction welcomed Rok by putting on a breakfast session at the River House Restaurant in Stirling on 27th August, allowing Rok the opportunity to speak to other Forth Construction members, outlining future plans and advising on how to get on Rok’s supply chain. Membership now stands at over 275. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

The Scottish Government introduced a new Scottish Small Business Bonus Scheme on 1 April 2008.

If your business is eligible for this relief and it is not shown on your bill or if you have not already claimed, please contact The Rates Team on 01786 443236 or email rates@stirling.gov.uk for an application form.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Local business news

SARN Technologies sign six-figure deal with Graham and Sibbald Stirling based SARN Technologies Ltd has signed a six-figure three-year deal to provide support and e-mail archiving to Graham and Sibbald, one of the largest, independent partnerships of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland.

SARN, an IT support company,

Robertson’s make a splash for charity

will provide ongoing support and security services to all 14 of Graham and Sibbald’s offices.

Included in the agreement

Eight members of staff from Robertson Capital Projects made a splash this summer, raising more than £2,000 for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.

The thrill seeking staff, including two directors, took part in a white water rafting race at Grandtully, on the River Tay. This involved a three-mile paddle against the clock and against 13 other teams from across Scotland.

is an offsite e-mail archiving solution that will guarantee the availability and security of the company’s e-mails for the future.

Many businesses are finding it difficult to deal with the rapid escalation of electronic mail.

Annie Galbraith, an Office Manager at Robertson Capital projects said: “It was a fantastic experience although at first we weren’t going very far because everyone was paddling in different directions!”

Although e-mail plays a crucial

Gary Gallacher, Project Manager at Robertson Capital Projects added: “It was all for such a worthwhile cause so we didn’t mind having stiff arms and shoulders the next day, and when we were told that our total would be matched by Robertson it eased the muscle pains a bit more.”

flood of information for most

part in improving workforce efficiency, it also creates a organisations and a storage nightmare for IT departments.

This is one of the main reasons that Graham and Sibbald enlisted

Stirling Development Agency unveils £40 million offices Stirling Development Agency (SDA), the newly formed 50/50 joint venture between Stirling Council and Valad Property Group, has submitted a detailed planning application for the development of two office buildings at Forthside, Stirling’s 40 acre regeneration site.

The SDA proposals will provide 127,000 sq ft of commercial office accommodation in a prime location close to public transport facilities and situated on the edge of a new civic square, which will be linked to the city centre by a landmark pedestrian bridge, to be completed this autumn.

Designed by international architects RMJM, the Grade A open plan office space is characterised by private court yards, roof top terraces with unrivalled views of Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and the Ochil Hills. The development is also expected to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating – the most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings.

Please see the special feature on Forthside on pages 14/15 for more information about the Forthside regeneration project.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

SARN’s office at Laurelhill Business Park

the expertise of SARN: to establish a resilient framework for the efficient retention and retrieval of email.

Economic policy expert joins Stirling University The University of Stirling has appointed Professor Roger Sugden as the founding director of the new Stirling Management School. The School is a strategic initiative to bring together, and build upon, the strengths of the present departments of Accounting & Finance, Economics, Management and Marketing to create a dynamic new context to take forward the University’s research and teaching in the areas of enterprise and economy.

Local business news

Going Carbon Neutral Stirling Going Carbon Neutral Stirling (GCNS) is a unique £1.32m community and business project aimed at reducing Stirling’s carbon footprint. The project was launched in June this year.

Project founder Rachel Nunn said: “The purpose of the project is to reduce the annual carbon dioxide emissions in Stirling from current levels of 12 tonnes per person to just one tonne by 2035.”

l

Coordinating carbon

The project will employ seven staff to work with consumers, businesses

cuts across your business, from R&D

and public organisations to help them and their members / employees

and marketing, to human resources and finance – this will

collaboratively reduce carbon emissions, and at the same time, save

help you to reduce the risk of sending out conflicting messages

money. GCNS can help your business reduce its reliance on oil and cut

across your business practices.

carbon emissions by: l

Demonstrating easy ways to change consumption patterns and reduce carbon emissions.

l

GCNS has been billed as an exemplar project of the Scottish Government Green Directorate and has received Big Lottery Funding.

It is anticipated that the project will help Stirling businesses make

Helping you to identify and lower carbon impacts of your business’s

substantial cost savings and enhance customer loyalty from carbon-

internal and external practices.

savvy consumers.

Business welcome…

Recently Stirling has welcomed various businesses and business start ups to commercial premises in the area, including:

Central Cleaning Solutions A new business operated from Torbrex, Stirling. The business provides experts in business and home cleaning.

Centro Dhyana A new business specialising in manufacture of a meditation seat. The business was established in June and is located at Stirling Enterprise Park.

Glendale Scotland Glendale Scotland, formerly known as Landscape Construction Scotland, recently located their Scottish headquarters in the Stirling area. The business specialises in commercial landscaping and grounds maintenance.

Lumia Health, Beauty & Hair A new business in Bridge of Allan offering health, beauty and hair treatments. The

business is located on Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan.

Logie Villa Cattery A new cattery business established in June 2008. The cattery is located in Blair Logie.

Match A Patch A new business specialising in patch work quilting, supplies and workshops. The business is located in Phoenix Industrial Estate, Stirling.

Pet-Royale A new business offering comprehensive home boarding and pet sitting services for dogs, cats, small furry pets, fish and birds.

The business is operated from Whins of Milton, Stirling.

Phoenix Broadband Ltd Phoenix Broadband Ltd recently moved to Pitt Terrace in Stirling. The business provides specialists in managed routes and fire walls for business centres and multi tenanted units.

Rensus Ltd Rensus Ltd recently expanded into a design office and showroom at Stirling Enterprise Park. The business specialises in renewable energy design, supply and installation.

Shalimar Tandoori Restaurant A newly established tandoori restaurant.

The Shalimar opened in July and is located on Barnton Street, Stirling.

SJA International A new regional head quarter for SJA International recently opened at Castle Business Park. The company specialises in provision of employee benefits.

If you have recently set up a business in the Stirling Council area and would like a mention in Stirling Eye or would like to report a business news story, please contact Joëlle Russell on 01786 442778 or email russelljl@stirling.gov.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Business profile

Klondyke Garden Centre

From small beginnings in a single greenhouse in Kirkintilloch back in the 1980s, Bob and Dorothy Gault laid down the roots of what has grown into Klondyke Garden Centres; the UK’s largest family owned, independent group of garden centres.

Having bought a struggling garden centre site in Kirkintilloch from which to run their camping supplies company from, the couple’s green-fingered skills and vision came to the forefront and the garden centre began to flourish.

The story of the Stirling Klondyke Garden Centre picks up around 25 years ago when the Gault’s, who were looking to open a second garden centre, purchased the Stirling site at Glasgow Road. The family looked to employ a local manager to run the new centre, and offered the job to Leslie Croy, then a Manager at Gray’s Garden Shop in the Craigs, Stirling.

Leslie Croy reported: “I had worked with Gray’s in

Leslie Croy, Manager of Stirling Klondyke Garden Centre

Stirling for over 20 years since leaving school. Gray’s told me they were closing down just as Klondyke were looking at setting up in Stirling. Klondyke offered me the manager post for the new Stirling

Store opening hours are:

Centre – so it was all a matter of good timing really!”

Monday - Wed 9am – 6pm (April-June and December, opening 9am – 8pm)

“Initially when the store opened we sold plants from the house on site, but we soon got planning

Thursday

permission and were able to build the current covered centre, which in the early 1980s was by far the

Friday

biggest purpose built garden centre in the area.”

Saturday Sunday

16 people are currently employed by the Stirling Klondyke Garden Centre and coffee shop, which extends to 8,500 sq m. The centre also includes onsite concession Thermashields Glazing and Conservatories.

While Klondyke is no longer the largest Garden Centre in the area, the staff pride’ themselves on their garden knowledge and provision of quality plants year round. Leslie reported: “We like to think of ourselves as the local centre for gardeners. We provide a home delivery service throughout Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Perthshire, and have over 200 members in our Garden Club.”

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

9am – 6pm 10am – 6pm

centres with high quality home grown products.

For more information on the Stirling Klondyke Garden Centre, please visit www.klondyke.co.uk/klondykegarden-centre-stirling, phone 01786 816167 or email stirling@klondyke.co.uk

Did you know?

When you think of Autumn you think of leaves on the trees turning shades of red and yellow, days getting shorter, but Autumn is one of the most important times of the year in the gardening calendar:

23 garden centres throughout Scotland, Northern England and Wales.

Stirling Eye randomly selects a business to profile each quarter using the Council’s business database.

9.30am – 6pm

Klondyke also operates its own growing nursery, providing its garden

From these initial centres, Klondyke has expanded and now operates

Did you know?

9am – 8pm

l

Plant BULBS for a colourful show in the Spring

l

Feed your LAWN and see the benefit the following Summer

l

Plant TREES, ROSES, SHRUBS and give them a good start in the Spring.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Stirling Business Panel Executive Group meets for first time…

The Stirling Business Panel Executive Group met in May for the first time at Old Viewforth.

Dr Wendy Livingstone – Associate Principal for Business & Innovation at Forth Valley College – chaired the first meeting.

Of the current sixteen members of the Group, twelve represent businesses from across the Stirling area. Retail, tourism, manufacturing and a number of service businesses are represented. The other four members of the Group represent Stirling Council Economic Development, Scottish Enterprise, Forth Valley College and Stirling University Research and Enterprise (SURE).

In welcoming the Group, Councillor Scott Farmer, portfolio holder for the Economy, highlighted the purpose of the meeting:

“Stirling Council Administration

Following a brief

is keen to re-energise the

workshop at the

Business Panel and to see a

meeting, members

productive partnership between

of the Group put

the authority and the business

forward what each

community. Through the

business would

Business Panel, the Council

like to achieve

meeting to be held on the 10th

hopes to learn more about

through the Stirling Business

September and a fuller report

the needs of the business

Panel; what they thought the

on the Panel and Executive

community and to understand

issues were for the group; as

Group will appear in a future

priority issues within the

a Business Panel what they

edition of Stirling Eye.

business community.

would like to achieve in the

I would like to see the Business Panel progress with participation from both the

Tony Moulsdale, Chairman of Stirling Business Panel Executive Group

Since the meeting in May, Tony

next two years and ideas on

Moulsdale, Managing Director

how the Business Panel should

of M.A.C. Electrical & Heating

proceed.

Engineers Ltd, has been

local authority and the business

These ideas and views will

appointed Chairman of the

community.”

be developed at the next

Executive Group.

Stirling Eye investigates new consumer laws On 26 May 2008 the European Union Commercial Practices Directive was introduced into UK law.

The Directive includes Regulations that outlaw unfair and

l

Making persistent

aggressive selling techniques, including harassment, misinforming

unwanted

or misleading people about products or services, such as failing to

solicitations

disclose important information. The intention is to close loopholes

to potential

previously exploited by rogue traders.

customers by phone, fax or

Because it is a European Union wide set of laws, it is hoped that

email.

the consumer protection regulations will create more confidence in buying goods from traders in EU member states. Those who fall

l

Describing

foul of the new regulations will face tough sanctions if found guilty,

a product

including heavy fines and even imprisonment.

as ‘free’

The Sale and Supply of Goods and Services Act and the Distance Selling Regulations remain in place because the new regulations mainly deal with how traders sell goods to consumers.

when the consumer has to pay anything more than the cost of delivery.

Among the practices outlawed are: l

‘Bait’ advertising, for example, if a business advertises televisions for £5 but only has a small number to sell at this price and doesn’t make this clear.

l

Further information can be found on the UK Trading Standards website www.tradingstandards.gov.uk.

Stirling Council Trading Standards can be contacted on 0845 277

Falsely stating that a product will only be available for a very

7000 during normal office hours.

short time, in order to elicit an immediate sale.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

At your service

Property Team

LOOKING FOR PROPERTY?

Property search

– www.stirling.gov.uk/property Whether you are expanding, starting up or relocating, Stirling Council’s property service can provide you with a broad range of information on properties and sites for business in the Stirling Council area.

If you require commercial property in Stirling, then look no further than our online search facility, which can be accessed via our website, to help you in your search. Here you will find a wealth of information on available properties for sale or to let as well as direct links to the marketing agent. With around 200 properties and sites for business in city

Name of company:

and rural locations currently listed, we

Ben Shaws Scotland

have property opportunities to suit most

Status:

requirements.

New Start-up

Stirling Council’s property search service includes privately owned properties and properties being marketed by agents, as well as publicly owned and Council owned properties, ensuring

Stirling Eye caught up with Neil

that you are provided with the widest selection possible.

MacDonald, Director of Ben Shaws Scotland to find out more about his

Support and advice With an impressive range of business

Neil worked for a large dispensing

and professional advice and assistance,

company for 22 years. When this

Stirling is an exciting place in which to do

company was bought over a decision was

business.

taken to no longer deliver the Ben Shaws

services to meet the needs of individuals, businesses and property agents. This includes a broad range of advice and information aimed at developing local companies and attracting new businesses to the area. Our comprehensive property service is open to local companies and we also provide advice specifically tailored to the needs of inward investors.

For larger projects assistance with design and build packages for lease or purchase is available and can be tailored to suit individual

business sites and how we may be able to help your business move into or within Stirling, please contact Iain Smith, Property Liaison Executive on 01786 442472 or e-mail smithi@ stirling.gov.uk

10

STIRLING EYE

house his new business.

locations, skills and training opportunities,

Our property team provide a range of

To find out more about properties and

search for a suitable property to

company requirements at certain business locations.

this as a unique opportunity to start his own business and take on the Ben Shaws distribution for the whole of Scotland.

Handing his notice in to his employer, Neil left the company in August 2007 and began setting up his new business venture.

This included looking for suitable premises.

Neil went on to the business pages of the Stirling Council website and quickly found

Did you know?

Last year, over 2,400 property searches were carried out online, averaging at over 200 searches per month.

Focus on the local economy

distribution for the Scotland area. Neil saw

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

our property search facility. He reported “I found the search service very easy to use and made a note of the properties that I felt would provide the best location for my business”.

Property Team case study

At your service PROFILE Property Liaison Executive Name: Iain Smith Job: Property Liaison Executive Role: To provide an independent property liaison service covering public and private sector properties and sites for businesses.

Key Areas of Expertise: Iain is Stirling Council’s commercial property guru! He can provide a range of general property and key location advice, inward investment advice and Next he contacted Iain

property market and trend information. Iain also liaises with

Smith who provided him

agents, partners and businesses to ensure a comprehensive

with additional advice and

service is provided to everyone involved or interested in the

assistance regarding his

property market.

property needs and sent out more detailed information.

Current workload:

This allowed Neil to make direct contact with Graham + Sibbald, letting agents for the property he’d selected at Imex Business Centre.

After fitting out the unit, Neil took occupation of the property in December 2007 and started trading as Ben Shaws Scotland. Less than one year later, Neil supplies draught products to 90 per cent of Stirling’s privately owned bars and restaurants. He has recently managed to successfully achieve the rights to supply Barrs IrnBru on draught. This is a big achievement for such a small, local

Iain is currently dealing with a wide

range of commercial property enquiries, projects and property related promotional activities.

This includes providing a range of property information to new and expanding businesses within Stirling, as well as mobile businesses or inward investors who want to relocate to the Stirling area.

Iain constantly meets with agents and developers to discuss and promote their properties and sites as well as meeting with

company.

local businesses to discuss their needs for business space. Iain

Neil said, “I pride myself on being a small, independent company

opportunities to businesses at the proposed Dunblane Business

who can provide a professional and friendly service to local businesses and help the local economy.”

This new venture has been so successful, the company is already planning an expansion in the future. Determined to stay in the Stirling area, Neil’s first port of call will again be the online property search facility and to seek further help, advice and support from Iain Smith via the online property search site.

Did you know?

is currently working with Gladman Developments to highlight Park.

Other activities include the provision of general rental and rates advice, vacant property and site information and referring clients to partner agencies. Iain also keeps his finger on the pulse of business space availability, take-up and enquiry information, making sure that the information held is current and up to date at all times.

Regular property surveys are undertaken to analyse the online property search service and monitor demand for property in the

Ben Shaws Scotland supply over 20 different draught soft drinks from the classics, Pepsi and Ginger Beer, to the more recent Ocean Spray cranberry and Hi-Energy drinks.

Stirling area. This includes a ‘follow up’ service to users of the facility to develop their property enquiry and to improve the service that is provided.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

11

News

TERMS Rural Mentoring Project moves into a new phase TERMS (Trossachs Enterprise & Rural Mentoring Scheme) recently appointed Jane Hutchings as its new Project Manager taking over from Alison Wilde.

Jane brings a wealth of experience

Retail Capacity Study Stirling Council and Scottish Enterprise recently commissioned a Retail Capacity Study of the Stirling area to inform future planning policy direction.

The study considered the retail development needs of Stirling’s population, including a survey of local people on their shopping habits and calculation of the likely demand and expenditure that may arise from a growing population. From this, and other modelling techniques, it was calculated how much new retail floorspace would

of working with local businesses from her previous role within Stirling Council’s Tourism team. Her knowledge of rural business and

Jane Hutchings, new TERMS Project Manager

funding opportunities from an agency point of view will bring a new perspective to the project.

TERMS are investigating ways of engaging local businesses more regularly through the use of Enterprise Circles; these will be groups of similar types of business or businesses with similar needs who will meet regularly to gain peer group support but with the additional benefit of a mentor to coach them.

Other support formats operated by TERMS include enterprise

be required to meet potential future demand.

The report highlights a number of future challenges for Stirling. One is that the area currently experiences significant out flows (leakage)

visits to successful businesses, mentor training and discussion groups, business networking evenings and tailored training events.

of retail expenditure, this is predicted to increase with planned retail

If you live in the Trossachs area and are interested in how

developments in areas such as Falkirk, Cumbernauld and Glasgow.

TERMS might support your business, please contact Jane

The report concludes that the retail needs of Stirling’s growing

Hutchings on 07894 166674 or visit www.ruralmentoring.com

population should be met locally where possible to maximise associated economic benefits and help reduce the environmental impact of resident’s shopping. It recommends therefore a proactive policy approach to identify retail development opportunities in the Stirling area and particularly the city centre.

Based on this approach, the study identifies the need for one additional food superstore to come forward between now and 2018, assuming Stirling increases its market share of resident expenditure.

The site should be located either within or close to the existing City Centre, consistent with national planning policy and where economic benefits can also be derived.

The study also identifies significant growth in the need for nonfood retailing (e.g. clothing, furniture), which would support a considerable volume of additional floorspace, both in the City Centre and in centres such as Springkerse. By 2018, it is estimated that the equivalent of another Thistles Centre and another Springkerse Retail Park will be required if Stirling is to retain its current share of expenditure. However whether to plan for all of this development will be a matter for the Council in the preparation of its new Local Development Plan.

To access a copy of the full report, please contact Claire Milne (Principal Planning Officer) on 01786 442522 or email milnec@stirling.gov.uk

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STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Height of fashion in Stirling’s Arcade The tenants of Stirling’s Arcade showed off some of Stirling’s best fashion, hairdressing and beauty in the ‘Betti Loves It’ fashion show in June.

The businesses in the Arcade worked together to put on a stunning fashion show, set up in the centre of the Arcade. Local models sparkled in jewellery provided by ‘Silver Gems’, their hair was styled by the staff at ‘Pretambau’ and their make-up perfected by ‘Beauty at Ebu’.

Free canapes and champagne flowed courtesy of ‘EC’s Cafe’.

Connie Moore, joint Proprietor of Betti Loves It, said: “With the Scottish Fashion Awards taking place in Stirling for the third time, we wanted to show that the businesses in the Arcade are right up there in the fashion stakes. I was thrilled with the fashion show, the final product of a lot of hard work and cooperation between tenants in the Arcade.

With excellent feedback from locals, we are looking forward to collaborating on even more events in the future!”

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Enhancing the evening economy Stirling’s Community Safety Partnership has developed a range of Evening Economy Projects, aimed at making the City of Stirling a safer place at night. Coordinated by the City Centre Initiative, the projects build on elements already in place, such as Best Bar None, Taxi stewarding, the Pubsafe radio link and monitoring of alcohol promotions.

Andy Kennedy, Stirling City Centre Initiative Manager, said: “The projects will help to enhance enjoyment of Stirling at night and will bring economic benefits to the area by increasing safety, making the city centre a more pleasant environment at night and in turn, boost the number of residents and visitors that use the city centre.”

l

The Evening Economy Projects include: l

A safe haven with support staff for vulnerable individuals (e.g. people who have consumed excessive levels of alcohol, single lone females, etc).

l

Extended transport provision – increasing the number of ways people can exit the city centre at night. Work is being done to look at the potential of increasing public transport provision to key local destinations over the winter months. It will also include improvement of information on the transport available at night to ensure people are aware of their options.

of the city in the evening will be implemented. Enhanced lighting will also improve the quality of CCTV camera footage at night.

Each of the projects is expected to be in place in time for the nights drawing in. As

Enhanced lighting – The use of white light to enhance individuals feeling

Stirling Eye went to print, the venue for the

of safety at night within the core city

was taking place on transport provision and

centre, while adding to the ambience

enhanced lighting was being costed.

New LEADER awards The LEADER programme for rural Forth Valley and Lomond made funding awards to two Stirling organisations in June:

safe haven was being finalised, consultation

Local Farmers Markets Stirling Farmers Market is a very busy and well-organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland. Originally established in 1999 by

1 The Barr Wood Trust

Stirling City Centre Management and the

received £5,600 towards a new caving training facility in the Barr Wood, an area of land to the South West of the City of Stirling. The project will transform a derelict outdoor swimming pool into a unique caving environment, which will be used by groups from across the Forth Valley area and beyond.

2 Drymen Community Development Trust were awarded £10,000 towards works which will bring people from Drymen together to develop a study and business plan for the future development of the Village Square, one of only a few village squares in Scotland which are owned and managed by the local community.

Dereck Fowles, Chair of the Local Action Group, said “We were delighted to support these projects which demonstrate the varied and imaginative ways in which LEADER can be used to help to revitalise rural communities in the Forth Valley and Lomond area.”

To find out more about the LEADER programme for rural Forth Valley and Lomond, please visit www.fvl.org.uk, contact 01786 443123 or email info@fvl.org.uk

local farming community, the Market is held on the second Saturday of every month 9 am – 2 pm in Maxwell Place.

Why buy locally?

The Stirling Farmers Market allows local farmers, growers and producers to sell their produce direct to Stirling residents. The emphasis is on freshness, quality and value for money.

Buying locally puts money back into the local rural economy and sustains and creates local jobs. It also reduces food miles as well as reducing stages in the food chain from farm to fork. You can ask how the food is produced and provide customer feedback directly to the producer at the Farmers Market and build a relationship with your food providers.

Dates of remaining markets this year: l

11th October 2008

l

8th November 2008

l

13th December 2008

In addition to the regular monthly markets in Maxwell Place, there have also been markets this year in the more central Port Street (pedestrianised) area of the city centre, bringing the opportunity to buy local produce to visitors and residents that might not normally purchase specialised foods. The final Port Street market this year is on Saturday 29th November.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

13

Special feature - Forthside 1

Forthside development takes shape

214 residential units being developed in phases by Gladedale

2

151 bed 4-star hotel / 500 seat conference centre

3

Stirling Railway Station

4

New pedestrian bridge linking Forthside to city centre

From its historic background,

5

New Civic Square

widely recognised for its

6

Engine Shed – to be refurbished and extended and potentially suitable for bar / restaurant

Castle and famous battles,

use

Stirling is being transformed with modern infrastructure.

Over £100 million is currently

7

127,000 sq ft of sustainable office space

8

100+ residential units

9

8-screen cinema (Vue) with adjacent restaurants, including Frankie & Benny’s and

being invested in new

Nandos

developments at Forthside.

10 Former Barracks, to be refurbished as small business units and restaurants

The regeneration of a 40-acre

11 600 space public car park and coach stop

brownfield site on the banks

12 Stirling Bus Station

of the River Forth adjacent

13 Public transport route used by Park and Ride

to the railway station will

14 Riverside walkway and viewpoint

transform Forthside into a contemporary city centre

Stirling Development Agency

quarter.

Forthside is one part of the Council’s strategy to improve

Stirling Development Agency Limited (SDA) are delighted to be playing an integral part in the next and final phase of development within Forthside.

and develop the City as an

Based on a highly successful 11-year

Development sites including Burghmuir,

even better place in which to

relationship between Valad (formerly

Station/Goosecroft Road, Crookbridge,

live, work and do business.

Scarborough Development Group), City of

Millhall and, of course Forthside also

Stirling Business Parks Ltd was restructured

transferred to the SDA. Furthermore,

and has been operating as the SDA since

an outline planning consent has been

March of this year.

approved at Kildean where the SDA propose

The new cinema is already making a contribution

A £12m portfolio of investment properties,

to enhance the evening

including industrial estates at Bandeath,

economy and bringing more life to the city centre.

The aerial photograph plots the different development sites at Forthside.

14

STIRLING EYE

Callander, Cowie and Fallin along with

to develop a business park (330,000 sq ft), Further Education College and leisure facilities.

business centres located at Wellgreeen

The SDA intends to make a significant

House (city centre) and Enterprise House

contribution towards the delivery of the

(Springkerse) were sold by the Council to

economic objectives within the Council’s

the joint venture partnership in which both

Strategic Plan through actively managing

Stirling Council and Valad hold a 50% stake.

and expanding the existing property

This compliments existing holdings at Castle

portfolio. Despite the current economic

Business Park and Broadleys Business Park.

climate, the SDA are looking to deliver a

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Forthside - Special feature

11 8 9 14

10

7

6 5

13

12

4

2 1 3

£100m development programme within five years. An early indication of this can been seen at Forthside where Detailed Planning applications have been submitted for:-

1

127,000 sq ft of Grade A open plan office space, designed by international architects RMJM and expected to achieve an “Excellent” BREEAM rating. The accommodation which is within two buildings and provides flexible floor plates, heralds a new era of architecture and quality within Stirling.

2

The former Engine Shed, which is to be refurbished and extended to provide

new Civic Square is ideally suited for use

undertaken by the SDA but in the

as a bar/restaurant. Adopting a prudent

meantime, further details can be

approach to this development, pre-let

obtained by contacting Graham

proposals are sought from occupiers.

Blackstock, Caron Ireland or Lois Thoms

The SDA also intend to develop over 100

at Valad Property Group, Forsyth House,

residential units within Forthside.

Lomond Court, Castle Business Park,

approximately 7,460 sq ft. The building,

Future issues of Stirling Eye will

which will form the southern edge of the

highlight various projects being www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Stirling, FK9 4TU (Tel: 01786 431729). www.stirlingdevelopmentagency.co.uk

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

15

Business space developments

Barracks buildings

Barracks buildings, Stirling Stirling’s Barracks buildings are situated within the Forthside waterfront development within easy access of the city centre. The Barracks buildings provide opportunity for conversion to a variety of uses, including office, leisure and restaurant use, subject to planning and other consents.

Units from around 186 sq m (2,000 sq ft) to around 921 sq m (9,901 sq ft) provide varied space opportunities likely to appeal to a range of potential occupiers.

The Barracks buildings are well connected to the public transport

Andrew Peel of joint letting agents, Graham + Sibbald said: “One of the Barracks buildings has already been sold to local organisation Volunteer Development Scotland for conversion into a Voluntary Sector Hub, with strong interest being shown in another building on site.”

the new pedestrian footbridge, currently being constructed, which

Subject to a long ground lease the remaining three buildings are being promoted for lease or sale in existing shell condition with rental from £12 /sq ft and purchase from £120/sq ft. The developers, CTP can arrange to upgrade buildings to suit with cost reflected in any agreement.

network, within minutes walking distance of Stirling’s railway and bus stations. They are also adjacent to a 600-space car park and near will link Forthside to the city centre.

Further details on opportunities can be obtained from joint agents Graham + Sibbald and Montagu Evans. Main contacts are Andrew Peel of Graham + Sibbald on 01786 463111, email apeel@g-s.co.uk and Peter Fleming of Montagu Evans on 0131 229 3800, email peter.fleming@montagu-evans.co.uk

Planning applications update (July) and are still being considered, pending a decision. These include:

The following planning applications have been supported in principal

by Stirling Council since the last edition of Stirling Eye but are currently subject to detailed negotiations to draw up a planning agreement:

l

l

An application by Forest Developments Ltd for a non-food retail development with associated access, servicing and car parking (6,970 sq m retail) on land North of the superstore at Drip Road, Raploch.

l

An application by City of Stirling Business Ltd & Elphinstone for a mixed use development comprising of Class 4 business park, Class 9 housing, Class 7 hotel/leisure, restaurant/pub, retail and class 10 further education college (20,000 sq m housing, 17,000 sq m business park, 1,750 sq m leisure and retail) at Kildean Auction Mart, Stirling.

A number of planning applications with a significant business focus have been submitted to Stirling Council since the last edition of Stirling Eye An application by Stirling Development Agency for a mixed-use development comprising of Class 1 retail, Class 3 Food and Drink, Class 7 Hotel, Class 9 Houses and Class 11 Assembly and Leisure (4,784 sq m retail space only) on land and buildings at Burghmuir Industrial Estate, Stirling. l

An application by Stirling Development Agency for a new build, 5-storey office development with basement parking (14,592 sq m offices) at Forthside, Forthside Way, Stirling.

l

An application by Robert Bawden for change of use of a vacant mushroom farm to a fish farm (5,735 sq m fish farm) on land at Ballachallan, Doune.

l

l

An application by LIDL for erection of Class 1 retail unit, means of access, car parking, landscaping and servicing (1,260 sq m retail) at the former Somerfield Store in St Ninians.

l

An application by George Hunter Groundworks for an industrial development (6,500 sq m - 37 industrial units in 6 separate buildings) on land to the West of Bandeath Lodge South East of Block 2 and South of sewage works, Throsk.

An application by Young Plant Sales for the erection of a 2-storey industrial unit and office (288 sq m offices, 167.1 sq m industrial) on land at Lochill Industrial Estate, Ashmill Road, Deanston.

Planning schedules can be viewed at www.stirling.gov.uk/planningschedule

16

Stirling Council has approved the following planning applications since the last edition of Stirling Eye:

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

New developments for Bandeath Two new industrial developments are proposed for Bandeath Industrial Estate, Throsk.

Harlequin Coaches Ltd Harlequin Coaches Ltd plan a first phase development for a site extending to some 0.68 hectares (1.68

six single storey units of around 94 sq m (1,010 sq ft) and seven single storey units of around 95 sq m (1,020 sq ft) for business proposed. With flexibility of space in mind, it will be possible to combine units to meet larger space requirements.

acres) on land situated

It is anticipated that the development will

to the eastern side of the

be completed over the next few years.

main access road into

For further details on opportunities

Bandeath Industrial Estate.

at this site please contact Mr and Mrs

The site recently received planning consent

Adam of Harlequin Coaches Ltd on 01786

for an industrial development comprising of

822547 / 451200, mobile 07767215261

a workshop and thirteen units.

or email harlequin@adam8.fsnet.co.uk

The site’s owners, Mr and Mrs Adam (Harlequin Coaches Ltd), propose to develop the first phase of the site for a dedicated workshop of around 212 sq m (2,280 sq ft), together with a covered parking area for their established coach business. The height

George Hunter Groundworks Ltd Another exciting industrial development is proposed for a site situated towards the front of Bandeath Industrial Estate.

of the workshop has been designed over

The second phase will provide a mix of units for businesses to lease. This will be a welcome addition at this location with

37 units are currently proposed on the privately owned site, which extends to around 3.20 hectares (7.91 acres). Land is also available for lease at this site.

It is anticipated that the development will be completed on a phased basis over a period of one to three years.

Already interest has been shown in this proposed development with the site’s owner George Hunter confirming that he is in dialogue with a number of parties interested in purchase and lease opportunities at this location.

More information on opportunities at this development can be obtained from Mr and Mrs Hunter of George Hunter Groundwork’s Ltd on 01786 814503 or email ellenhunter@btconnect.com

Update on 33 Spittal Street, Stirling

two storeys to allow sufficient space for maintaining coaches.

The extensive site will offer a range of industrial units from around 140 sq m (1,511 sq ft) to around 2,395 sq ft (222 sq m). Combining units at this location can also accommodate larger space requirements.

A planning application has now been made by local entrepreneur Steven McLeod for the conversion of the former Health Board building at 33 Spittal Street.

McLeod plans to convert the prominent B listed property into a 40-bedroom 5-star luxury boutique hotel and spa.

New village planned at Durieshill Following a decision in July by the Court of Session, Stirling Council has confirmed Durieshill as the site for a planned new village.

The Council identified Durieshill as a major growth area within the Local Plan, with the intention of developing a new village there to provide space to meet demand for new housing.

Durieshill is located to the South East of Stirling, and sits just off the Denny road to the West of Plean and South of Pirnhall, providing excellent access to the M9 and M80.

Plans for the new village include 2,500 homes, two primary schools, a secondary school, a nursery, a library and sports and health facilities.

There are also plans for a business park extending to around 20 acres and a shopping complex.

The next stage will involve establishment of a master plan by the Walker Group, the lead developer, in conjunction with Stirling Council.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

17

Scott Dickson and

Sector feature

Colin MacKenzie of Vizibility Design

BUSINESS SERVICES What are business services?

They are services provided by a business that meet the needs of other businesses, public bodies, local authorities and government departments and agencies. This covers a range of activities such as labour recruitment and personnel, management consultancy, legal services, marketing, architecture, engineering design/consultancy and secretarial activities.

Stirling has around 600 businesses delivering business services, employing around 3,500 people. In addition, there are over 1,000 self-employed people in Stirling who work in professional and businesses services – around 18 per cent of all self-employed people.

Key facts: l

Business services account for 27 per cent of all VAT registered businesses in Stirling.

l

Growth in business services in Stirling has outperformed growth at the national level. The number of businesses delivering business services increased by around 200 (42 per cent) between 2000 and 2006.

l

Business services accounted for 35 per cent of businesses registering for VAT in 2005.

l

Growth of business services has been driven by the expansion of two specific sub-sectors – labour recruitment and the provision of personnel, which has added around 400 employees since 2000, and business and management consultancy, which has added around 300 employees.

What the Stirling Economic Positioning Study had to say…

The recent Stirling Economic Positioning Study commissioned by Stirling Council and Scottish Enterprise found that Stirling has a diverse business base, though few ‘industrial’ strengths.

Stirling’s apparent industrial strengths are often based on a single

A key recommendation is for

company and in some instances, growth has been driven by an

Stirling Council and partners

individual company (e.g. relocation).

to work to increase the

The study concluded that in general, business development activities,

level of high value business

rather than sector or industrial development per se, should be the

service activity in Stirling to

focus for economic development. The report recommended that

generate quality employment

Stirling should exploit its specific assets outwith an industry focus.

opportunities. The report advised that this is done through place

However, tourism/retailing and high value business services (e.g.

development, centred on Stirling’s major assets, including its

specialist services and not back office functions such as call centres)

residential population, quality of life, cost advantages and central

were identified as potential ‘industrial specialisms’.

Scotland location.

To access a copy of the Stirling Economic Positioning Study research outputs, please visit www.stirling.gov.uk/projects or request a copy from Joëlle Russell, telephone 01786 442778, email russelljl@stirling.gov.uk

Business Directory Use Stirling Council’s online Business Directory to search for local products and services!

Over 1,600 businesses in the area are already registered on our

Inclusion in the directory is also FREE of charge for those businesses

online business directory so using it to search for local companies

located within the Stirling Council area and registration is easy. Local

should mean that you find just what you are looking for.

companies who have not yet registered are encouraged to sign up.

To search the directory, go to www.stirling.gov.uk/directory . The

The directory provides up-to-date information and has the potential

directory is easy to use and free of charge, regardless of how often

to help companies source goods and services locally as well as

you use it.

generating new business from outside of the area.

Please contact Laura Melville on 01786 443028 or e-mail melvillel@stirling.gov.uk for an application form. Alternatively, register your details online by logging on to www.stirling.gov.uk/directory

18

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Sector feature Business Services case study: Vizibility Design Business:

and demand continues to be strong from businesses looking to fully integrate their processes online.

Vizibility Design – established in Stirling eight years ago, located in Stirling Business Centre, Wellgreen.

Service provided: Vizibility is a marketing fronted business, providing a range of services, including advice on marketing both on and offline, and design, print and web services.

Particular sectors driving growth for Vizibility were reported to include: l

The whisky sector – at the same time as costs have increased for the whisky sector, so has international demand.

This has resulted in a need for marketing material in a range of languages.

l

The tourism sector – the increase in number of short haul cheap flights has seen the rise of Edinburgh and Glasgow as short haul destinations and opened up a range of marketing opportunities for tourism businesses.

Importance of location for business services: Scott Dickson, Director, reported: “Stirling was an ideal choice of location for our business, being equi-distant from customers in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The location has also been great for recruitment, enabling us to attract staff from the wider Central Belt, as well as Stirling. I am not surprised by the statistics indicating above average growth of business service activity in Stirling.”

“Businesses like to source services locally, so many of our clients are from in and around Stirling, such as the Roman Camp Hotel, Volunteer Development Scotland and the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. Most of our other clients are from the wider Central Belt. We’ve found that companies in Edinburgh view Stirling as relatively local where they wouldn’t a company from Glasgow – and the same goes for companies from Glasgow!”

Drivers of growth: Scott reported that the biggest drivers of growth for Vizibility were increased demand from the general public for websites that deliver what they promise and businesses integrating more of what they do online. The introduction of wide access to Broadband a couple of years ago had a significant impact,

Future trends: Vizibility expect to grow, with their client base increasing through referral and marketing, and plan to stay within Stirling.

When asked about the impact of the credit crunch, Scott reported that businesses either do nothing and take what comes, or they can innovate and stay one step ahead. Business services have a role to play in helping companies maximise potential. For this reason, Scott reports that Vizibility has not experienced a downturn in business due to the credit crunch.

30 second interview Name:

William Paterson

Job Title:

Company Director

Place of work:

Nicky-Tams Bar & Bothy / Direct bars Limited, Baker Street, Stirling

How do you get to work?

Drive own car

What is your favourite place to eat out? Why?

Nicky-Tams of course! Our new menu uses fresh locally sourced

produce.

What do you think the Stirling area could most benefit from? Some good nightclubs and more quality gents clothing retailers.

What is your favourite colour?

Blue

What is the best thing about doing business in Stirling?

Meeting a wide range of clientele from all over the UK and abroad.

The central location is also a great benefit.

What do you think the biggest issue is for businesses in

The cost of rates, inflation and general rising costs - but this is affecting

the Stirling area?

businesses all over Scotland, not just in Stirling.

What is your favourite shop?

Slaters Menswear

What is your greatest ambition?

Continue being happy with life and making Nicky-Tams better and better!

Did you know?

Stirling Eye’s 30 second interview is randomly selected from the Business Directory database each quarter. To join the Business Directory, please visit www.stirling.gov.uk/directory

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

19

News

Making a show of it!

The last few months have seen local businesses taking full advantage of the recent round of agricultural shows both locally and nationally.

These shows have been a part of farming tradition for decades, with local shows such as Gargunnock able to trace their history back as far as the early 1800s. Whilst the main focus of these events is showcasing local breeds of livestock, there is an ever increasing range of business opportunities at these events.

At the top end of the scale is the Royal Highland Show – an event that attracts international press coverage, and is a showcase for Scottish agriculture. A major attraction at the event is the food hall, which not only attracts interested consumers looking to try out new products, it is also a key event for buyers from the major supermarkets. The showcasing of new products at the Royal Highland Show, which is attended by more the 150,000 visitors each year, has become something of a tradition for local business “Graham’s – the Family Dairy”. Two years ago they used the show to launch a new brand identity, which went on to scoop the Brand Development award at the 2007 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, and this year they launched their new product range “Grahams Gold” – a luxury range of milk, cream and butter from their Jersey cows.

At a more local level both the Stirling Show and the Killin Show presented a great business opportunity for another local business Direct Bars Ltd. “We were proud to supply the bar at the Stirling Show – this years event was bigger and better than ever. It was a great family day for all and the beer tent was the ideal place to meet friends and shelter from the passing showers!” said William Paterson, Company Director.

Dates for all of next years local agricultural shows will be listed on the events page at www.visitstirling.org

Tourism Grants for Innovative Projects

Microsoft Challenge

Stirling Council’s Tourism & Rural Development Team is inviting local businesses to apply for a grant from the Tourism Small Grant Scheme to support their tourism activities.

Stirling Council’s Executive Member with responsibility for Economy Councillor Scott Farmer said: “Tourism is vitally important to the Stirling area. The industry employs approximately 10,000 people and brings in over £280 million to the local economy each year.”

The Tourism Small Grant Scheme for 2008-09 supports innovative tourism activities to encourage people to work together to increase visitor numbers and tourism revenue in the Stirling area.

Councillor Farmer added: “The Council is committed to supporting the tourism industry to deliver sustainable tourism-

related schemes and as a destination we have so much to offer visitors. From outstanding countryside, historic sites, great shopping and a vibrant city Stirling really is at the heart of Scottish tourism.”

There is no deadline for applications but the £8000 fund must be allocated to projects prior to the end of the financial year (March 31, 2009).

For further details and an application form, please contact Deborah Murray, Service Manager, Tourism & Rural Development, on 01786 442821 or email murrayd@stirling.gov.uk

The Microsoft UK Challenge 2008 took place between 11 and 15 June. The Challenge is the ultimate team-building event for businesses and saw 120 teams take on a series of tough physical, mental and strategic challenges.

Fabulous weather greeted the participants – who came from as far and wide as Brazil, France, Ireland, Switzerland and England. Participants reported that they were extremely impressed by the beautiful landscape that they encountered whilst kayaking in Loch Ard and orienteering in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Locals also cheered them on at Plean Country Park, arriving with their picnics to watch the event.

Channel 4 filmed and broadcast the event, which included teams from some of the biggest names in the business world – including Microsoft, Lloyds TSB, AWE (2007 Champions), Ernst & Young, Vodafone and Prudential.

The participants worked together day and night on activities that included running, cycling, kayaking, code cracking and puzzle solving.

At one stage of the event, the teams also had to construct a small chariot and race it around Corbiewood Stadium, in the middle of the night!

The overall winners of the event were the Accenture team, with Hewlett Packard taking the trophy for ‘Best Fundraising Team’. Over £500,000 was raised for the official Charity Partner, the NSPCC, with a percentage of the funds going to support the Scottish charity CHILDREN 1st.

20

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the the local local economy economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Interview with Colin Crabbe, Scottish Enterprise Stirling Eye recently caught up with Colin Crabbe, Account Management Delivery Team Leader for Scottish Enterprise…

What is your background and how long have you worked for Scottish Enterprise (SE)?

Before working for SE, I worked as an International Sales and Marketing consultant, which followed a career of working with multinational organisations, including San Miguel Brewing International Ltd and Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. I have worked with Scottish Enterprise for six years.

What is your current role within Scottish Enterprise?

I am one of three Team Leaders in the East of Scotland Account Management Team. I lead a team of twelve Account Managers with a portfolio of 240 growing companies. My role is to lead and develop the team in order to support SE’s renewed focus as Scotland’s enterprise, innovation and investment agency.

What does Account Management involve?

Account Managers work on a one-to-one basis with businesses of all sizes, which have high growth potential and which are important to the regional or national economy. Companies receive expertise and advice to help them face their business issues and ensure that they can access the right kind of services, people, markets or finance to release their full potential. Services are tailored to their needs, which may include innovation, internationalisation, investment and efficiency support.

Colin Crabbe

globally and have a commitment, passion and hunger to succeed.

Technology by Hometech

marketing strategy as well as support with business planning and financial forecasting, which has seen the business grow to sales orders worth £3.3 million and revenues of over £2 million.

Are there any other examples you can give and does it matter what size the business is, in order to obtain support?

Support is available to companies of all sizes.

Falcon Catering is one of the largest account managed companies in Stirling, with around 250 staff. Our research and development support has enabled Falcon to develop their market leading Infinity Fryer, allowing them to compete in the fast food industry, as well as safeguarding existing R & D engineering jobs and creating additional ones.

How many Stirling businesses do SE account manage?

In Stirling alone, SE account manages over 50 companies.

Can you give an example of how SE account management has helped a local business to grow?

One such company to have benefited from account management support is Hometech Integration Ltd, who employ around 30 staff.

Hometech are the market leader for the installation of home technology systems in new and existing houses. SE has supported Hometech over the past two years with the implementation of a strategic sales and

Production at Falcon Catering

Support is available for existing businesses but what about pre-start companies?

SE also provides intensive support to pre-start companies to ensure they have the best opportunity to maximise their ambitions. To qualify as a high growth start-up company, the business must achieve a minimum £5 million valuation by the end of the third year of trading, have the potential to trade www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Are there any examples in the Stirling Council area?

Super Umami, based in Bridge of Allan, are a shining example of a high growth start up company. Set up in 2006, Super Umami is an independent animation production studio that produces CG animation for television and film. SE helped Super Umami through its initial phase and the company is now enjoying success with significant further growth aspirations.

You mentioned SE’s renewed focus as Scotland’s enterprise, innovation and investment agency. What has changed?

In April this year, SE underwent a transformation following the Scottish Governments review of the Enterprise networks. SE now has a very clear remit to focus on priority sectors and businesses, of whatever size, that have high growth potential. This meant SE’s Skills activity and Careers Scotland transferred to a new body, Skills Development Scotland and responsibility for the Business Gateway transferred to the local authorities.

It also means the network of Local Enterprise companies no longer exists.

However, SE’s local offices remain open for business, including its Stirling base in Laurelhill Business Park. Responsibility for local regeneration projects is also being transferred to local authorities, with SE retaining its role in projects of regional and national importance.

Within Scotland, a relatively small proportion of companies account for most of the growth and it is SE’s role to focus its support on those businesses, to help make that growth happen.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

21

Special feature - University of Stirling Contact the University of Stirling Tel: 01786 473171 www.stir.ac.uk

UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING The University of Stirling is a major contributor to Stirling’s economy with over 2,000 staff and 9,000 students.

The University has played a key role in attracting high levels of skills and expertise to the Stirling area since it opened 40 years ago. Andy Mitchell, Media Relations Manager, reported: “We are exceptionally proud of the calibre and employability of the graduates we produce; 96.4% of our graduates move into employment or further studies within six months of graduating – higher than the Scottish average.”

“As many of our students work part-time, they also provide an important source of labour, as well as custom, to local businesses and attract additional tourists through visiting friends and families.”

Key research and teaching areas The University has a huge programme of research. It’s core research and teaching areas are: l

Health and Wellbeing: Including Cancer Care, Dementia, Nursing & Midwifery, Psychology and Social Work.

l

Culture and Society: Including Education, English, Film & Media, History, Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Religions and Social Sciences.

l

Environment: Including Aquaculture and Biological and Environmental Sciences.

l

Enterprise and Economy: Including Accountancy, Business, Computing Science and Mathematics, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Law, Management, Marketing, Publishing Studies, Retail Studies and Tourism Management.

l

Sport: Including Sport & Exercise Science, Sports Studies and Physical Education. The Scottish Government recently recognised the University as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

Did you know?

The Last King of Scotland was co-produced by Stirling graduate Andrea Calderwood, winning Best British Film at the 2007 BAFTA awards.

Students into enterprise SUREstart is an incubator programme run by the University for

Of the many successful businesses that have passed through the

students who want to start up in business. The programme

SUREstart programme, Alasdair said Global Voices really stands out.

provides tailored support, starting with assistance to flesh out

The business was established by Luigi Koechlin, a native Spanish

business ideas.

speaker from Peru. While studying at Stirling, he decided he wanted

Alasdair Gammack, SUREstart Programme Manager, said: “Most

to make the most of his language skills by setting up his own

of the students who engage with the programme are new to

translation and interpretation business. With help from SUREstart,

business. We provide them with advice and guidance and a safe

Luigi set up Global Voices, which still has its headquarters at SUIP

environment within Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP) to

today. The business was an instant hit and has grown rapidly – it

help them get their business off to the best possible start.”

now has branches across the world and a network of thousands of

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STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

University of Stirling

Meet the students

- Special feature

Stirling Eye caught up with some students to find out more about the Stirling experience…

The students l

Jodie Hughes (JH), 21, from Cornwall, studying Business Studies with Computer Science.

l

Tom Spencer (TS), 21, from Kent, studying History.

l

Lee Wilson (LW), 20, from Uphall in West Lothian, studying Business Studies.

l

Mark Cullen (MC), 22, from London – has just graduated with an honours Degree in Journalism. Currently Vice President of the Student Union.

Why come to Stirling?

JH I could study Computer Science without an A-level in computing. At £1,700 a year, the fees are also cheaper than the £3,000 average for English universities.

TS I wanted to move away from home, but I’ve got the best of both worlds as I also have family in the area!

LW I wanted to move out but still be close to home. I was also impressed with the sports facilities as I play a lot of hockey.

MC I visited Stirling when deciding where to study and absolutely loved it! The University has great sports facilities and an excellent reputation for Journalism.

What do you plan to do when you graduate?

JH I want to open my own business – preferably in Scotland. I’d like to start up a consultancy, possibly focused on funding, and I’m interested in finding out more about the SUREstart enterprise programme.

TS I’m not sure what I want to do when I graduate and I’m quite versatile with my future plans! I’ll probably move down to London though.

LW I don’t know yet, but I’d like to stay in Stirling or Edinburgh.

MC I recently graduated and I’m working as Vice President of the Student Union for the next year. Long term I want to get into communications – I’ll go wherever the work is!

Where do your family stay when they visit?

JH My family stay too far away to visit.

Where do you stay?

JH, TS and MC all rent private accommodation in the Stirling and Bridge of Allan area. LW is staying on campus this year.

Do you work?

JH I’m working on campus over the summer as a Database Assistant for the University. I also work part time in the EC Deli.

TS I worked part time in Mailboxes Etc in Stirling until recently, but I’m now President of the Student Union.

LW I’m working on campus as a Database Assistant for the University over the summer and also work part-time in Fubar.

MC I worked part-time in BHS while I was a student, but I’m currently working full time as Vice President of the Student Union.

TS My family tend to stay with relatives in Dollar or bunk in my flat.

LW I have people come to visit for the day every month or so. We usually go round the Thistles before they head off again.

MC My mum and dad seem to come up every time I’m in the process of moving! They are regulars at local B&Bs.

Where do you like to go out?

JH, TS, LW, MC: l

l

l

l

l

l

AMF Bowling The Beat l Dusk l EC Café l Frankie & Benny’s

Fubar Hydes Bar l Long Horns l Nicky-Tams l Outback

Pivo Sportsters l Varsity l Vue Cinema

To find out more about SUREstart, please contact Alasdair on 01786 458014, email alasdair.gammack@stir.ac.uk or visit www.sure-ltd.com translators, specialising in industry specific language such as bioscience and medical translation.

Luigi said: “SUREstart played a vital role in helping me to establish my business in Stirling. Advice was provided on how to avoid common pitfalls and I found it really useful being based on campus as I was able to tap into the language skills of some of the international and language students. I also provide services to a number of organisations in the Stirling area, including Falkirk and Stirling Councils, the NHS and the Procurator Fiscal.” www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

23

Special feature - University of Stirling Business space and contracts The University is a catalyst for small businesses, with incubator space provided on campus at Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP).

University contracts help to support some of the new businesses at SUIP, such as Different Voice, which the University commissions to produce its publications.

The University also provides a range of capital investment contracts. The current £4m project to re-clad some of the University buildings has utilised local labour. The University will also be investing £13.9m in the rebuild of its library in 2009/2010 and although the tender process must be open to contractors Europe-wide, the initial enabling works contract is expected to be fulfilled by local contractors.

The University and independently run Stirling Management Centre also attract business tourism to the area by hosting events to promote a range of research topics. Recent events have included a conference on suicide prevention and a meeting of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Could your business or social enterprise benefit from the expertise, skills and research of a Stirling University student for a particular project? If so, why not contact the University and look at the possibility of offering a student work placement.

Photo by Robert Pogsen

Student work placements

The University’s Career Development Centre helps students to find

solving, skills for temporary projects and the chance for businesses

work experience and graduate jobs and is keen to work with local

to ‘try before they buy’ with regard to graduate employment. Our

businesses to help them meet their recruitment and skills needs.

students range from undergraduates through to Masters and MBA

There are two main ways that your business or enterprise can get involved:

students, some with as much as 10 years’ experience.”

“There are things to be aware of, however. Students don’t always

1 Work with a University department to offer a shortterm placement. The University may be able to help you find a student and assistance for your business in a particular area, e.g. market research or setting up a computer database.

have a huge amount of experience and may require guidance. I’d advise businesses to present well-defined goals and break projects down into sections with expected timescales. Tight forward planning will enable you to get the best results from your student.”

The benefits are that it may not cost you anything other than

“I encourage anyone who is interested in providing a work

the student’s expenses and the University can tailor assistance

placement to contact us to discuss possible opportunities. While

to your business. However, the placement has to be built into

we can’t guarantee to fill every placement, it’s a tremendous

the student’s course, which will impact on timing.

opportunity for local businesses to tap into the wealth of skills and

2 Advertise a short-term contract or project to Stirling students. You may have a requirement for skills on a short-term basis, e.g. could use the skills of an IT student to design you a web-page. The benefits are that you can recruit someone for say 50 hours at £6 per hour, without the expense of taking on a new employee or hiring a consultant, and the

talent at the University.”

To find out more about providing a student work placement, please contact the Career Development Centre on 01786 467070, email employers@stir.ac.uk or visit www.careers.stir.ac.uk/employers/index.php

timescale can suit your business. However, you will need to pay the student and their level of expertise may not be as high

Did you know?

as that of a consultant.

Employability Adviser Jon Culley provides the following advice to businesses: “Student work placements can bring many benefits to businesses

The University of Stirling’s library is open to the public and local businesses / social enterprises. To find out more about accessing resources from the library, please contact the Information Desk on 01786 467235, or email library@stir.ac.uk

involved, such as provision of fresh creative thinking, problem

24

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Go-ahead for £12m Stirling Castle project Historic Scotland has announced it is to go ahead with a £12 million project to return the royal lodgings at Stirling Castle to their Renaissance magnificence.

The result will be a major new attraction that is predicted to raise castle visitor numbers to around 480,000 a year – compared to around 398,000 in 2007-08.

Historic Scotland has appointed Morris & Spottiswood to carry out the project.

Once finished, the new

magnificent Renaissance palace

attraction will enable visitors to

is the most ambitious phase

see how the king’s and queen’s

of Historic Scotland’s project at

halls and chambers may have

Stirling Castle.”

looked in the mid-16th century,

“It will mark the culmination

and they will be welcomed

of many years of research and

and shown round by costumed

skilled conservation and craft

interpreters richly dressed in

work that have helped reinstate

authentic costumes of the era.

the splendour that the Stewart

The Stirling Heads – regarded

monarchs gave to Stirling.”

by some as Scotland’s other crown jewels – will also go on permanent public display.

Some £9 million is being invested by Historic Scotland and an additional uplift of £3

Chris Watkins head of Historic

million has been granted by the

Scotland’s major projects

Scottish Government.

team, said: “The conservation

Linda Fabiani, MSP, Minister for

and presentation of James V’s

Europe, External Affairs and

Culture, said: “This is a bold and imaginative project that the Scottish Government is delighted to support.“ “I hope that once the palace project is complete it will attract many more visitors to Stirling from home and worldwide.”

Did you know?

Unlike Linlithgow Palace, which stands on its own, the palace at Stirling is a block within the castle walls. It is quadrangular in design with a central courtyard known as the Lion’s Den.

Scottish Fashion Awards On Sunday 29th June, the cream of Scottish fashion talent lit up the tartan carpet at Stirling Castle for the third annual Scottish Fashion Awards (SFA).

The glittering awards ceremony and Gala dinner was hosted by the TV fashion presenter and journalist Louise Roe and was attended by a host of celebrities, including international fashion figures such as The Hon. Daphne Guinness, Henry Holland, Christopher Kane, and “What Not to Wear” presenter Lisa Butcher.

Winners on the evening included celebrated Scottish designer, Christopher Kane who was awarded Scottish Designer of the Year and Bebaroque Hosiery who won Scottish Accessory Designer of the

and the runner up, Michelle

Year for their innovative hosiery designs.

McLaughlin, won much-

Stirling Council was once again the sponsor of the SFA Retailer of the Year category, which was awarded to tailor Norton & Sons. To get into the spirit of The Scottish Fashion Awards 2008 and in order to add value and relevance locally, Stirling Council and The Thistles

coveted tickets to the Scottish Fashion Awards’ Aftershow Party with all the finalists receiving gift vouchers.

Shopping Centre developed a partnership project, which led to a

The fashion show was a big success on the day and the shoppers

fabulous Stirling Summer Fashion Show. Fashion retailers from The

were able to enjoy a display of clothing and accessories, for all

Thistles were invited to contribute their summer collections to the

occasions, from many of The Thistles’ fashion retailers including

show, which was hosted by Radio Clyde’s Gina McKie. A modeling

Next, Debenhams, Zara, Peacocks and Quiz. There was also a

competition was launched in the Stirling Observer to find young

specially choreographed show, using professional models, by

local people to participate in the catwalk show, the eventual

The Point Too. Flowers for the show were provided by ‘Jennifer’s

winner of which was 16-year-old Stirling girl, Amy Stewart. Amy

Flowers’ in Doune.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

25

Economic facts Population and Households Figure 1: Population

Stirling 2000-2007 % Change 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Stirling Scotland

Total Population

86,160

86,200

86,150

86,370

86,370

86,930

87,810

88,190

2.4%

1.6%

Working Age Population

54,058

53,771

53,501

53,667

53,268

53,588

54,310

54,367

0.6%

2.7%

Total Number of Households

35,206

35,544

35,961

36,454

36,658

36,958

37,164

37,328

6.0%

5.0%

and

Households

Source: General Register Office for Scotland

Employment Rate

Unemployment Rate

Figure 2: Employment Rate (as % of Working Age Population)

Figure 3: Unemployment Rate (as % of Working Age Population) Unemployment rate

Employment rate

77.0

76.0

75.0

Stirling Scotland

3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5

74.0 2004

0.0

2007

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

June 2003

June 2008

Source: Claimant Count with Rates and Proportions (Nomis)

Growth in Number of Jobs Figure 4: Jobs Growth 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2000-2006 2000-2006

Change % Change Stirling

40,600

Scotland Source:

42,100

41,300

40,900

42,800

45,600

46,400

5,800

14%

2,234,300 2,299,800 2,279,500 2,307,000 2,340,000 2,391,400 2,370,600 136,300

6%

Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Enterprise

Figure 5: New Business 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2002-2007 2002-2007

Change % Change Starts Stirling

449

534

460

452

474

480

31

6.9%

Scotland

18,518

21,468

20,808

21,383

23,468

25,041

6,523

35.2%

Source: The Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers

Business Survival Rates

3 Year Survival Rate - %

80 75 70 65 60

1999 2002 Year business registered for VAT

Source: Small Business Service

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STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Stirling Scotland

Figure 7: Number of VAT Registered Businesses per 10,000 Population

Stirling Scotland

500 No. VAT Reg. business per 10,000 population

Figure 6: 3 Year Business Survival Rates - VAT Registered Businesses

Business Density

400 300 200 100 0

2000

2006

Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

VAT Registered Businesses Figure 8: VAT Registered Businesses in 2006 – Percentages based on stock of VAT registered businesses

Stirling – Number

Stirling - %

Scotland - %

280 215 3,210

8.7% 6.7% -

8.6% 6.7% -

VAT Registrations VAT De-registrations Stock at start of year

Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)

Industry

Occupational Distribution

Figure 9: Employment by Industrial Sector, Stirling, 2006

Figure 10: Occupational Distribution, Stirling, 2007

Occupational Distribution of workers in Stirling, %

Employment

by Industrial Sector, %

11.8

14.1

4.9

11.6 13.6 5.7

Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Source: Annual Population Survey - Workplace Analysis (Nomis)

Qualifications

Visitors to the Stirling Area

% of working age population

Figure 11: % of the Working Age Population Qualified to SVQ Level 4+ (or equivalent) and % with No Qualifications, 2007 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Stirling

SVQ Level 4+ No qualifications

12.6

14.7 11.0

Figure 12: Tourism Revenue, Tourist Days and Visitors to Key Attractions in the Stirling Council Area 2006 2007 Tourism Revenue (£’s millions) Tourist Numbers (thousands) Argyll’s Lodging Bannockburn Heritage Centre Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park Mugdock Country Park National Wallace Monument Old Town Jail Stirling Castle Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

388.83 4,366.60 54,054 65,871 402,701 543,055 119,526 27,328 385,755 44,264

390.45 4,323.50 50,573 61,410 433,070 559,695 135,000 30,719 389,011 40,859

Source: Scottish Tourism Economic Assessment Model; Visit Scotland; Mugdock Country Park

Scotland

Source: Labour Force Survey/Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

Earnings Figure 13: Average Gross Weekly Earnings of people working full time

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2002-2007 % Change

Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Stirling Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Scotland Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Stirling Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Scotland

£425.9 £369.3 £376.4 £371.7

£428.4 £381.8 £377.8 £381.3

£419.7 £390.6 £390.1 £390.4

£455.3 £409.8 £382.6 £408.6

£472.1 £427.9 £419.3 £428.1

£478.9 £441.0 £434.2 £441.5

12.4% 19.4% 15.4% 18.8%

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

27

www.whatsoncentral.co.uk

Keep up-to-date with what’s on It’s now easier than ever to keep track of what is going on across the Central Belt of Scotland thanks to a new initiative from Stirling based web site experts Web Wise Business. The website and search engine optimisation specialists have released What’s On Central a free to use business and academic events listing website that lets you advertise your own events for free. The site

www.whatsoncentral.co.uk is an efficient way for sales and business development professionals to find out about the latest networking events. The site also provides a low cost booking system for event organisers.

Service contacts Adult Learning, Stirling Council Lynne Gibbons, Tel: 01786 432360, email: gibbonsla@stirling.gov.uk Building Standards, Stirling Council Cecil Stokes, Tel: 01786 432203, email: stokesc@stirling.gov.uk City Centre Management, Stirling Council Andy Kennedy, Tel: 01786 442534, email: kennedya2@stirling.gov.uk Economic Strategy & Intelligence, Stirling Council Hugh Lightbody, Tel: 01786 442593, email: lightbodyh@stirling.gov.uk Employability Service, Stirling Council Gordon Wright, Tel: 01786 442866, email: wrightg@stirling.gov.uk

Forthcoming events/ training October 2008 7th morning – Alloa – Getting Real Results From Your Website.

21st morning and afternoon – Falkirk – Mastering Selling 1 and Mastering Selling 2 (Ad Hoc).

28th evening – Falkirk – Trading Online.

November 2008 3rd evening – Stirling – Book Keeping 1.

Planning, Stirling Council Peter Morgan, Tel: 01786 442914, email: morganp@stirling.gov.uk

4th evening – Stirling – Book Keeping 2.

Tourism, Marketing & Rural Development, Stirling Council Deborah Murray, Tel: 01786 442821, email: murrayd@stirling.gov.uk

13th evening – Falkirk – Marketing Your Business 2 (Ad Hoc).

Trading Standards & Licensing, Stirling Council Neil Chalmers, Tel: 01786 432170, email: chalmersn@stirling.gov.uk

Useful web links

11th evening – Falkirk – Marketing Your Business 1.

19th morning and afternoon – Alloa – Book Keeping 1 and Book Keeping 2.

20th morning – Stirling – Thinking of Registering for VAT? 25th morning – Alloa – Get Real Results From Your Website.

27th evening – Alloa – Women Into Business: E Commerce.

Business Gateway – www.bgateway.com

December 2008

Forth Valley College – www.forthvalley.ac.uk

2nd morning – Stirling – Get Real Results From Your Website.

Forth Valley Construction Forum – www.forthconstruction.co.uk Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER – www.fvl.org.uk Funding Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/business/funding The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – www.lochlomond-trossachs.org Lottery Fund – www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland

2nd evening – Stirling – Marketing Your Business.

4th morning – Alloa – Negotiation Skills.

11th evening – Stirling – Advertising and Promotion.

January 2009

Property Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/property

20th evening – Falkirk – Improve Your Search Engine Ranking.

Raploch Urban Regeneration Company – www.raploch.com Scottish Chambers of Commerce – www.scottishchambers.org.uk

22nd morning and afternoon – Alloa – Customer Care 1 and Customer Care 2.

Scottish Enterprise – www.scottish-enterprise.co.uk

23rd morning – Falkirk – Credit Control.

Scottish Government – www.scotland.gov.uk

28th morning – Stirling – Improve Your Search Engine Ranking.

Scottish Parliament – www.scottish.parliament.uk Stirling Business Directory – www.stirling.gov.uk/business/directory Stirling Business Panel – www.stirling.gov.uk/businesspanel Stirling Council Business Pages – www.stirling.gov.uk/business Stirling Enterprise (STEP) – www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk Stirling Eye – www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Stirling University Innovation park – www.suip.co.uk Trossachs Rural Mentoring Scheme – www.ruralmentoring.co.uk University of Stirling – www.stir.ac.uk Visit Scotland – www.visitscotland.org

29th Stirling – Women Into Business: Business Planning.

EVENTS Contacts Stirling – STEP Tel 01786 463416, email reception@stirling-enterprise.co.uk Alloa – CETERIS Tel 01259 726430, email kmanson@ceteris.co.uk Falkirk – FEAT Tel 01324 665500, email mandyc@feat.org.uk

Stirling Council Environment Services, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET phone: 0845 277 7000 email: info@stirling.gov.uk text: 0771 779 0001 web: stirling.gov.uk